Hi,

Our miniature Schnauzer, Herbie, is being a bit over enthusiastic with his guarding during the night - he often barks at any time of night, always guarding (rather than attention seeking or needing toilet etc.). Usually it's at a neighbours car, or someone walking past, but its often directed at the back garden as well where there shouldn't be anything to bark at but bushes.

As we're two flights up (and usually asleep at the time) by the time I get to him he has stopped already so I can't really tell him "no" and I'm worried that if I praise him for being quiet he'll think I'm praising the barking!

Any idea how to deal with it? He's driving us (and probably the neighbours) nuts.

Has occured to me that we could use a no-bark collar (citronella etc.) during the night only, do you think this would be a good idea? I don't want him to lose his bark completely though, just at night!!!!

He's 7 months old and apart from this barking he is extremely well behaved and well trained.

Would appreciate any advice, many thanks

Jamie

Can't offer advice but other forum members no doubt will be able to.

I don't know what you mean by a no bark collar.

I trained my dog to bark on command, this has its downside if you are wanting a guard dog, I only want a companion.

He doesn't tend to bark unless he has good reason and then its subdued its only happened a couple of times and I walk him round the garden on his leash and then bring him into our room for the rest of the night

I think I would do one of two things and work with him rewarding good behaviour:-

1. Letting him stay in our room for one night or
2. Sit up one night with him

Sue

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Hi there Jamie!

A few pointers for you.

Introduce your dog to a crate over a few days to begin with. PM me if you would like a guide to this. A medium crate should suffice.

Once he and you are happy with his going in the crate and the door being closed in a relaxed manner, you simply close him up at night and cover the crate with a light sheet. Ensure adequate ventilation however.
Also ensure he is away from windows or places that would allow car lights to sweep across the crate for example. There's a lot of night activity depending on your enviroment (foxes, cats, hedgehogs etc) so bring away from such areas.

If you find he is reactive a lot of the time during the day also, one to one help may be your best bet.

A crate and cover alone is adequate for most dogs in my experience. The next thing is to NOT return to the dog when barking. Even a harsh tone can be reward (he got you back anyway...any attention is worth it from his point of view).

Dogs get themselves into a cycle at nights,and if this has been reinforced by your returning then there you go

Do not as suggested bring him into your room...it can be the thin end of the wedge.

Other random thoughts that may be connected:
Are you confident he's not bursting to relieve himself? Either pee or poo? A possible change of diet or feeding and watering regime can help...post back if you need help.

Avoid bark collars for now, as this should be easily resolved through management rather than equipment. Look at the reason for barking rather than than suppressing it.

Best wishes, and please update on your progress.

Nick



Nick Jones MCFBA
Dog Behaviour Specialist and Trainer

Dog Behaviour problems - Nick Jones Behaviourist. - Home

Hi all, many thanks for your help!

We haven't crate trained him, and we haven't really got room for a crate so we'd like to avoid doing this if at all possible. He was originally shut in the lounge (which backs on to the garden) at night, but for the last couple of nights I've actually done the opposite and shut him out of the lounge as this was where his barking was worst - he tends to sleep outside our bedroom door now which is the quietest place in the house and he's been a lot better - just one or two barking fits during the night instead of 5 or 6.

Unfortunately I do have to go to him and tell him to be quiet - otherwise the barking just goes on and on, and we live in a terraced house so it's not fair on the neighbours. I realise the psychology isn't right!

He's definately guarding rather than needing a pee/poo without a doubt.

I think I'll keep leaving him outside our bedroom door and hope he carries on sleeping there as I think it might solve the problem.

Thanks again

Jamie