Applying Aidan's Lesson to Barking Min. Fox Terrier

I discovered Aidan's brain work ideas just in time to help a barking Min. Fox Terrier named Ernie. Ernie starts barking when his Mom turns her back and walks toward the door, but he's not showing any of the other signs of classic separation anxiety, so we're pinning our hopes on keeping him busy and wearing him out. He's now working for his breakfast and dinner (puzzle toys) and going to doggie day care. I'm hoping he'll be too tired to bark when his Mom goes out in the evenings. I'll keep you posted on the results.
Alfhild

Comments

Aidan's picture

A plan for dogs who bark when their owners leave

Hi Alfhild, that's great to hear! I know it will help.

Also make sure that the owner doesn't reinforce this barking by turning around, or even coming back into the house because she forgot something. If there are no other signs of separation anxiety then this approach should be effective, but of course, measure your results to be sure that you are on the right path.

I'm not sure which barking dog e-course you signed up for, but in the one for dogs who possibly have separation anxiety I described a plan that went something like this:

1. dog is tethered or gated at one end of hall or large room
2. owner starts to slowly walk away
3. when dog stops barking even briefly, owner clicks, turns around and returns to dog for some attention
4. repeat procedure

(*step 3 might be facilitated by using the Calm-O-Meter method)

I know you are a dog trainer, Alfhild, so this plan should be quite safe with your supervision. I would caution readers to be sure that they understand this plan or to get some help from an experienced clicker trainer before they try it though. Be particularly careful if the dog is showing more serious signs of separation anxiety, in which case a consultation with a veterinary behaviorist in advance would be wise.

Regards,
Aidan
http://www.positivepetzine.com