Dog barking....

[Twinkle17]

My friend has a jack russell (about 8 months old I think), and she is extremely playful and hyperactive. the second my friend gets up in the morning she lets her out in the garden to do her business etc. The dog runs strait outside and goes beserk, barking at the birds, even if one flies over she goes mental. Anyway, last night 2 of her neighbours came round saying they had had enough and the dogs barking was driving the whole street insane. She said she was really sorry but she has to let her dog out to do his business and she cant exactly prevent birds from flying over. Even if she takes her for a walk first thing instead of the back garden, the second she gets her outside she barks and barks (cause of birds flying over again). She is really stumped and so am I. What could she do about this? I thought about the water spraying but then it seems a bit nasty cause she only doing it out of excitement. Any advice?
x

[Illyria54]

The water spray is certainly an option, it won't hurt the pup and far better that than have people complaining to the council, does your friend take the pup to obedience classes? and the obvious one does she go out for lots of walks during the day so that she isn't bored, does she have lots of toys to occupy her etc etc. I have a dog who is 1/2 Fox Terrier and he used to be terrible, not with birds but Squirrels, my house backs on to a copse and farmland so there are hundreds of the little blighter's about, and he like your friends dog used to hurtle up the garden at 5am when hubby let the all out (have 4 dogs) and start barking like mad, but the hose pipe put paid to that (big garden) he was squirted with that 2-3 times and it did the trick, I'm not saying that he never barks at squirrels now, only that he associates barking at 5am equals water so he doesn't do it at that time any more, during the day if he starts, I have trained him to come to a dog whistle and that nips it in the bud before it gets too bad, all of the above together with good obedience training each day and exercise should do the trick.

[lankeela]

Take her out in the garden on a lead, and check her if she barks, either by a jerk of the lead and a sharp 'no', or a squirt with a water pistol. Believe me, it won't hurt and its better than getting letters from the council and complaints from neighbours.

[Twinkle17]

Thanks guys, Ive told her your suggestions, she said the only problem is she LOVES the water hose and even gets excited when that comes out and starts barking! She will try it will a short sharp NO with it, I told her to try the water in a bottle instead, even though its still water she might associate it differently from a bottle.
Thanks for your help
x

[showcatbenga]

I have had a similar problem with a rescue dog going mental & barking at the prospect of going out on a lead. I had to devote quite some time to training her. She could start barking with me just putting my coat & boots on, so each time I sat back down or put the coat/ leash back on it's hook every time the barking & mad cavorting started. Only progressing when & if the noise stops. It took a long time the first time but dogs are very tuned into body language & seem to 'get it' quicker.
Using something slightly unpleasant now as a deterrent is not a 'bit nasty' & certainly won't be as nasty as having to get rid of the dog because the neighbours can't stand the noise any more. The dog can & will control her excitement if she is trained properly & your friend will have a much happier dog. She barks because she has been allowed to.
Also, if the water is more of a game, try training the 'no' or 'leave' command with a rattle bottle as a noise distraction. Try watching 'dog borstal' BBC3. 'The dog whisperer', Sky 3, 'It's me or the dog!' (not sure which channel) Or contact a training group for help & support. Don't forget - we are the ones with the big brains, so we have to figure out the solution!

[slipnot]

Totally sympathise! My daughter also has an 8 mth old Jack Russell and has the same problem - I bet he also pulls so much on his lead when walked he practically strangles himself! I'm watching your posting in hope of getting a solution too! Bought a 'bark' collar - no good - he barks more! Good luck.

[showcatbenga]

Had one more idea after a sleep! What about training the dog to toilet on paper /puppy pad? Then she has more control about when the dog goes out since toileting has been taken care of. Can only work because a JR is a small dog!
Oh, just remembered 'clicker' training is very effective too.