Clomicalm

[Kavik]

The Beagle was in a closed crate - otherwise he counter surfed and raided bins among other things!

[KathP]

Thanks for all the replies.

We have started implementing lots of little things, and there has been some improvement. Leadership isn't really an issue with her, she definitely doesn't think she's the leader, and is actually quite submissive. We have discovered she is better if left locked inside when we're not here. She still barks, though not as much, and the neighbours certainly are happier. There are only 2 days when we are both gone all day, so now the OH comes home in his lunch break to let them out to the toilet and have a bit of a run. I also get up earlier on these days so they get a big walk and a game before we leave.

Along with everything we were already doing, we have started locking the dogs outside with things to chew for periods while we're at home, and we're now up to 30mins with just the odd bark. We are also teaching them to stay for longer and longer periods while we are out of their sight. These two are difficult as our old JRT is most uncooperative and usually starts crying first, or breaks the stay. We are reinforcing leadership by having lots of short periods of training (sit, drop, stay, come, shake etc) and my OH is learning that they are not to get any treats unless they at least sit first. Part of the battle is getting him to be consistant with this too. Also lots more time when they can't sit with us, and doing simple things like having a closed door between me/us and the dogs for varying periods. Since it's just the two of us we would rarely bother closing the door to shower, get dressed etc, but now we do!

We haven't started the bone over the fence thing yet - and yes we had considered it might be a reward for barking, so the idea is to socialise her with the neighbours, which they are happy to do, and she gets the bone as a reward not for barking but for being quiet and sitting. They're away for the next few weeks though, and who knows, maybe she'll have improved enough by the time they get back not to even try it ! *I can dream*

Our vet has also suggested trying a hush muzzle, but she hates having anything on her face, so I'm not too keen to try that. We have thought about the electric collar, but I'd rather wait and see if what we're doing helps. I'm concerned that by just stopping the barking she might develop other bad habits that could be worse.

I've also managed to find some other natural remedies to try, but they only arrived today, so we'll wait and see if they help.

[haven]

I'd be cautious about using no bark collars and the like because you are just dealing with the syptom of the behaviour, not the cause. This can be ok of course, but without treating the problem she may go right back to barking when the collar is removed, or find a (possibly worse) outlet behaviour.

Although your dog is submissive, showing good leadership is still important and is in fact beneficial for dogs with SRB, not because your dog will otherwise think it is the leader, but beause she will feel more secure and less anxious under increased leadership.

[Erny]

Reply to KathP 3 June (4.14pm)

Don't forget to go out and reward your dog for when he's being quiet. We often forget to do this, having concentrated so much about GETTING them to be quiet. So, even if it's an 'accidental' quiet, let him know this is the behaviour that will get him things he wants.

[melree]

Hi Kath, Just thought I would let you know there is a behaviour trainer in Ballarat that our vet clinic recommends. I have seen her work and heard great reports from clients. If you ring Ballarat family petcare in Victoria St, they will give you her number. She may have some more ideas for you.