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Best tips for sitting barkers?

I don't have much experience with dogs that are barkers - my huskies only howl! - and recently my guests have been all barkers - I'm wondering if you guys can share your experience and advice for what works for dog guests that have a hard time staying quiet?

This weekend, even after getting back from a 6am jog with me my dog guest was up and at it with piercing barks if I did so much as shut the bathroom door to take a shower (therefore not allowing her in with me). So, of course, this is how I ended up with a guest dog IN the shower with me (no, not just the bathroom.. the shower.. sigh..) :)

So, yes, any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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Lawd.....that's what I'm working with this evening too. I texted owner an they gave me some tips. but I might have to pass the baton on this one, even if it damages my ratings. Normally I take them for a hard core run with weighted backpack, and they too tired to do anything after. but it's raining.

A tired dog is a good dog. Long walks, lots of play, try a stuffed kong the mental simulation is an activity that will help poop them out as well as being a good and healthy way to distract them from the want to bark. Its also a good idea to have something from home with familiar smells on it. Lea🐾

This is called demand barking and may occur when he thinks it’s time to eat, if he wants you to play, if you’re not petting him, or any other time when the dog isn't getting his way. Take a zero tolerance stand and ignore until barking ceases. This may take a while at first but don't give in.

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I always ask the owners for tips in a non-aggressive way. Such as "Barky hasn't quite settled in since our run this morning, any tips on curbing his barking?" Usually people are grateful for the update and willing to help.

If that doesn't work, distract, distract, distract! Toys, peanut butter kongs, whatever the owner has approved that will take up the dog's attention and time. Sometimes I have even covered up my doors and windows so dogs cannot see anything outside to bark at.

Good luck!

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It sounds like it might be separation anxiety. Is the barking mainly when you leave the room? Or when the dog isn't getting your full attention? I used to be a house sitter for many years but now do pet sitting in my home. I see it frequently with pet sitting but not when I was house sitting in the dogs own home.

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First it would need to be determined if the dog has True Separation Anxiety vs Annoying Barking out of bad habit or being rewarded for barking. Several things come to mind. Learning about Dog Behavior, True Major cases of Separation anxiety have signs that are similar, Barking when owner leaves or left alone. Sometimes being with another dog can help. Signs include trying to get through doors or barriers, Breaking out of crates to the point of losing nails. The perimeter of the home or room Ex: Doors, Trim, Windows are damaged from trying to escape..NOT BE LEFT ALONE. Learning as much as you can about each dogs and paying close attention if they are anxious etc. - I've used Victoria Stillwells CD's calming and pair it with a stuffed Kong.
If the dog is just a barker and learned to be rewarded for barking then I do some quick training techniques. Turning your back to them, when they stop turn around and praise. Calming Signals. Also if you are a clicker trainer you can "click to calm". This is used in the shelters so the shelter dogs will not stay in a barking frenzy. So in that case, walking up to a cage/crate and if the dog is barking turn around or step back, The second it stops barking then it is rewarded. IT works quickly. We all learn to do what works for us. :) Hope that made sense.

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It seems to me that there is a little separation anxiety. I find that leaving a TV or radio on...just for background noise, can soothe dogs somewhat so they don't feel alone or abandoned. Also, keeping the dog busy with a puzzle or a treat filled Kong is a welcome distraction. Some of my clients get bones from the butcher that keep their dogs occupied and happy!

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I've mentioned this several times. but try a old fashion dog whistle for any behavior issues. I love mine and works on barkers, when they play to rough, or even ... mounting males.

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Thank you! I am getting me one for my own dog. He barks at neighbors 4 doors down the street. God love him, but not when he barks at everyone. :)

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You really need to contact the owner and ask if there is a reason. I just had one dog bark, but it was only because he wanted a snack at a certain time of day. Who would've known? Luckily the owner simply texted me early on. He knew it was going to be an issue. Problem was solved. :)

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Funny you say that, my next doors neighbor barks AT 5 pm every single time he hasn't been fed and will continue until they get home and feed him. Yes he is an outdoor dog. So I have partnered with them to leave me some food and they can always text me if they will be out late and I feed. SOLVED.