Well congrats on rescuing Nikko.
I believe you can condition Nikko to be “okay” with other sounds and halt the barking (or minimize it at least) but it will take a lots of consistent practice and training.
1. You need to introduce the “QUIET” command. When he barks, acknowledge it and say “QUIET.” If he continues, you can correct him with a spray from the water bottle or bitter apple (only spray bitter apple in the mouth NOT the eyes). When he is quiet on command reward him with a small treat. And reinforce the command by saying “GOOD QUIET.”
2. In my house, we practice all the time. A knock at the door or the ring of the doorbell often trigger my trio into a barkfest so… we sometimes do impromptu tests. For example we’ll all just be sitting and I’ll knock on the desk or table AND WHEN they begin to react I just hold the bitter apple bottle and say “QUIET.” I do this anytime I’m inclined in preparation for when a delivery person might arrive.
3. If the majority of the barking is taking place late at night consider some white noise. If we didn’t use white noise (a fan or other something else) our trio would bark all night at the slightly noise out back, and that would never do.
4. You can always seek the advice a trained professional. I don’t know where you’re located but a lot of friends of mine (in So Cal) have successfully used Bark Busters http://www.barkbusters.com/.
In regards to the nipping at pants legs etc. – he just needs more socialization (at public parks and at home) and play dates. I’m a hug fan of play dates!!!
There’s never one answer to a problem, but I have found the above to work for me and mine. Since Nikko is a rescue it will take time and patience to mold him into the perfect doxie for your household.
Good luck with it and please keep us posted on his and your progress. Whatever you do, don’t give up!!
Johnny, Rufus, Milo and Emily.
From: Dachsie_World@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Dachsie_World@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of JimC
Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 2:36 PM
To: Dachsie_World@yahoogroups.com
Subject: <Dachsie World> Hello
I have two dachshunds. Anna is 2 1/2 long hair mini female w/very blue eyes. Very friendly & very needy. I just took in a rescue Nikko. 4 y/o tan short hair male. Nikko has some aggression issues and barks at everything. He comes from a home where one of the children tormented and/or teased him. He bit this child in the mouth and gave him three stitches. Hence the family got rid of him instead of the child. (go figure). Nikko has been great with me. Is a bit stand offish, nips at pant legs of others. He is a great protector, but barks at everything he hears. Often late at night. I have been slowly introducing Nikko to other people, and he is coming along. I don't know what to do about the barking. Often this goes on in the middle of the night. I am open to any suggestions anyone has.
Jim
0 comments:
Post a Comment