Question:
I have an 8-year-old terrier/border-collie mix. She's the greatest dog anyone could ever have, except for one annoying habit: She barks at everything, including the moon.
She gets me up in the middle of the night to go outside and once there, she starts barking. This is so annoying, and I can just imagine what my neighbors are thinking. Even inside the house, if she wants a treat or to go for a walk, she sits in front of me and barks until I give in. I know she's spoiled, but she never used to bark all the time like she does now. Is there anything I can do? Getting after her for barking does nothing.
H.N., Bloomington, MN Jul 19, 2009
Answer:
Moon barking and barking at jet planes and their trails in the sky seem to be common traits in border collies and Shelties. Just accept it as part of their character and visual acuity. One of my old dogs always barks as soon as she goes out, as though to tell the world and perhaps to check if there are other dogs around who might answer her. She may be checking whether the coast is clear or simply proclaiming her existence.
Barking in front of you for a treat or a walk is her way of training you. Ignore, and say "No, later." Try motivation training so she responds only when you want her to. Shout her name, then get her attention by shaking a can of coins or squeezing a dog-training clicker, then make her sit and stay. When she is quiet and attentive, give her a tasty treat (like freeze-dried salmon, freeze-dried beef or other pure-meat freeze-dried treats posted on my Web site). When you are ready to walk her, give her a voice command like "Walkies, get leash!" and encourage her to find her leash that you can hide in various reachable places.
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