Question:
We have a 6-year-old Yorkie, Kashmir, who loves to bark. Our other Yorkie, Kiwi, is quiet and reserved. Kashmir is very forward and an Alpha female. We tried a bark collar on her for about four days and it worked fairly well, but we felt too guilty about using it on such a half-pint of a dog. She barks when she wants things, like food. Waking us at 6 a.m. is usual for her.Are there any methods you would recommend for controlling her vocalizations? Should we persist with the bark collar?.
G.L, Naples, FL Jul 03, 2005
Answer:
Not all bark collars are the same. Those that deliver a remote-controlled electrical shock that can be increased in intensity, which are used by many trainers, should be outlawed because they can lead to animal abuse and cruelty in inexperienced and insensitive hands.Safer (and no less effective) collars that make a short, sharp buzzing sound are usually effective in training dogs not to bark. The dogs do not need to wear the collar all the time. Some timeout is called for so they can bark, and most dogs learn quickly that when the collar is off it is OK to bark.You can also try a simple training method: fill a can with pebbles or keys and shake it after shouting "Quiet!" when Kashmir barks, then reward her for sitting still and being quiet with a treat. This combination of aversive conditioning and re-motivation-reward training could do the trick with time, patience and experience.
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