Can’t stop the dog from barking? Perhaps you have tried all the approaches prescribed in the book to stop dog barking. Still, your Bonnie will NOT be quiet! Over and over again… You really worry that she might pass out. You’ve even considered unloading it from her…but it seems so cruel.
Bonnie barks hysterically and adds high-pitched dog wails that are almost too much for human ears. She does this on everything! …to the people passing by, whether the blinds are open or not, to the rustle of leaves outside, to any sound outside, to the dogs passing by…. Wow, even at the slightest noise INSIDE the house it barks. You can’t even talk on the phone. She hates the doorbell, the microwave turns it on, the toaster, the vacuum cleaner, the hair dryer. Scream!
You tried to yell at him. That does not work. She has tried to lock her in a room. It does not work. She has tried to take away privileges. It does not work. You’ve tried the sweet approach: “Thanks, Bonnie. Shut up now.” It does not work. Does Bonnie’s throat hurt? You’re not sure if she hurts, but your ears do!
Bonnie is crazy? The good news is that it doesn’t. But she is driving her owners and her neighborhood crazy. How embarrassing to be the neighbor’s dog’s barking problem! Worse yet, the neighbors are up in arms over Bonnie’s scandal, even to the point of being ready to file a lawsuit. You don’t want to get rid of Bonnie, but you can’t afford a lawsuit either.
Now, you know right away that in most cases, a drug like Bonnie isn’t likely to help. You know that would surely change her temper and make her a bit unpleasant. It is not a solution.
To do? Bonnie will need a good thirty minutes running with you on her bike (or rollerblades, etc., unless you’re a real runner). This will challenge her and drain her energy quickly.
Feed Bonnie and give her fresh water after the race. She needs to feel that she has worked for her food. Be sure to let it cool down for at least ten to fifteen minutes before you feed it. Make sure to exercise it twice a day.
Since Bonnie seems to bark at EVERYTHING, tackle and conquer one thing at a time. She claims the phone by standing in front of it while maintaining eye contact with Bonnie. She hold her head and shoulders up with confidence. Have your feet halfway between a military “at ease” and “Atten-hut!”
Do this with all the objects that Bonnie barks at. Give him a firm “bite,” a two-finger tap on the neck, if he doesn’t hand over the object (sit or lie down and look away). Say “Hello” firmly (without yelling) and point at her if he doesn’t feel like giving up. Stop what she’s doing and do it right then and there.
Keep it up and Bonnie will shut up. No more barking dogs! ahhhhh…