Persistant dog barking

[linlam]

I was asked to ' rescue' a 3 yr old Bichon Frise, that had been moved around so much in her 3 yr life that I couldn't not take up the challenge. She looks nothing like she's supposed to look as her fur had to be cut right back because of the matting.She's frightened of men, but accepts my hubby quite happily, maybe because my other rescue dog, adores him, and so she took on board really quickly that she could trust him. She gets on well with my other dog.
My biggest problem at the moment is her charging and barking at anyone and everything when I take her out. And if I leave the room/house she barks and barks for ages. I've tried the water pistol to stop her, but she likes it......
Any ideas anyone?

[foxydivano1]

Hey Linlam,

You can get a collar with a Citronella spray - each time they bark, the scent is releashed. Dogs hate Citronella and these collars are supposed to work really really well. You dog will soon know that if he/she barks, then they will have to experience the spray.

Good luck
FoxyD x

[Simeon]

The problem with those collars is that the dog needs to be praised if he barks when someone knocks on the door or comes near the house not sprayed with dog mace. The only solution I lnow is the water pistol but in your case that does'nt work. Sorry I am babbling and being no help whatsoever.

[lilacben]

linlam I have a great dog site I can give you- orangedog.forumup.com I have just joined myself and in less than a week I have been able to get my dog to listen to me. hope this helps. Brenda x

[linlam]

Thanks everyone! I think I'll persevere for a couple more weeks, if she still acts up when we are out, maybe the collar would be an answer foxydivano1, but I'd take it off in the house, and I'll try being a little more strict in my tone, she's quite good at sitting at the mo, she'll sit and stay, but its all the palarva of the barking before she does, sit stay and shut up. I do praise her quickly for the door alert bark, but she doesnt know when to stop, unless I pick her up and put her in another room while I answer the door, so I see where you're coming from Simeon.
Thanks for the link lilacben, looks a nice site, so I've registered and let them know that you recommended them!

[TopKat]

My in-laws german shepherd used to bark every time anyone came to the door and the vet advised them to get a set of children's bells and jangle them loudly each time. This really worked although you have to be consistent about using it. Apparently, it's something about the high pitch and loudness.