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Old 01-16-2008, 03:35 AM
MaxHollyNoah MaxHollyNoah is offline
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Oregon
Posts: 675
Default Ignoring is the best

Hi there.

I also have a very talkative dog named Holly. She is a border collie mix and she always has a lot to say, especially when he is excited like your dog.

I have tried "No bark!", squirt bottle, make her sit and down, etc. but so far I think turning around and ignoring her works the best.

By saying "No" even in a stern voice you are actually reinforcing her bad behavior because you are giving her your attention by responding to her barking. Water bottle works to get her attention when she so excited that she doesn't pay any attention to you but I still think ignoring is the best.

I know it takes time and I understand you want her to learn this quickly because of your housing situation, but unfortunately you will have to be patient.

If she barks, turn around and stand still. She stops barking turn back to her and reward. I can see she starts barking again as soon as she gets reward, then you will have to turn around and ignore her. This time take a little longer before your turn back to her and make it longer and longer before your reward her.

I am still working on this with Holly. Fortunately we don't need to worry about our neighbors so I don't mind taking long.

Good luck!!
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