AboutLabman Expertise housebreaking, chewing, feeding
Please do not send me questions on medical problems or AKC standards
Experience Through my volunteer work with a large dog guide school, I know a little about all the breeds they use including Goldens. I have extensive experience with the closely related Labs. The service dog schools have acquired a wealth of knowledge about raising well behaved, healthy dogs with long, active lives. They do not share it with the general public, but pass on the best of it to those like me that raise puppies for them. I am part of a group that has raised dogs for 6 different service dog schools. We meet monthly for training and share information.
Question I have a golden retriever puppy who is almost 5 months old. I talked to the trainer in obedience class about this. I called it "nuisance barking" and she called it "brat barking." Either way, what's happening is that she continuously barks when she doesn't get her way. Example: You corrected her for trying to chew something that was inappropriate. Or, she just wants attention and you're busy or not interested and can't give it to her. We have tried: settle/release, ignoring and re-directing her attention to something else, such as one of her nylabones. Nothing is working. As a last resort, we give her a "time-out" in the crate. Any other suggestions? My trainer favors the crate but I certainly don't want to overuse the crate so I'm looking for other options.
Many thanks.
Answer I have never used the spray bottle much, but I have a 10 month Lab that is about the same way. A little vinegar or lemon juice in the bottle makes it more effective. Just give her a blast in the face when she barks. Some people use a squirt gun.
It is best not to use the crate as a jail. We are having to use it that way some too. This is the 18'th puppy we have raised for a dog guide school, and the worst one of all.
I hope your instructor is doing a good job of training you to be top dog. if not, post back.
