[Pturner]

Originally Posted by K9-Lovers

To piggyback on bike42's comments .. .. ..

I can't imagine anyone complaining about dogs that only bark occasionally . . . and I don't think you can train any dog to not express joy when seeing their owner return home, or keep them from alerting you when they suspect someone is in their territory. There are methods to teach dogs to stop barking on command, but of course, that doesn't work if you are not home.

Dogs bark when you are not at home because they are bored. Always keep your dogs indoors when you are not at home without access to the lanai.

The best way to keep a lonely dog from barking that I've found is called a "kong" which is a tough rubber tube-like toy that can be stuffed with something yummy. Kongs come in difference sizes and are indestructible. You can fill it with peanut butter, or hard treats. Dogs lick and lick and kick the thing around trying to get the goodies inside. It keeps dogs occupied for a long time if you put the treats in just right so they don't fall out. You can squeeze the kong and insert a wide treat, then when it snaps back to it's round shape, the treat stays inside.

There are other ways to keep dogs from being too bored like hiding kibble or small treats throughout the house. I put my dogs in a separate room, close the door, and let them out when I'm finished hiding their treats. They will hunt and search the whole house over and over hoping to find another little tidbit. This also serves to fulfill their hunting instinct so it is very enjoyable for them.

Also, if you play a radio or tv while you are gone, the sound often masks noises from outside, and also gives the dog a comfortable feeling.

I love ya, K-9 Lovers!

[K9-Lovers]

Originally Posted by Pturner

I love ya, K-9 Lovers!

Right back atcha!

[collie1228]

I have a three year old beagle who will be moving to TV within the next eighteen months. He occasionally howls, usually if he is scared or maybe just for the fun of it. No stopping that. We'll be in a courtyard villa, so he shouldn't be seeing much that scares him. But it's always my responsibility to catch him after the second or third bark (I'm getting older, and it takes a little longer to catch him). I don't think that's a nuisance, unless it happens in the evening or early in the morning. I won't let that happen - just by making sure that when he's out and about in the evening, I'll be with him. I don't think a nuisance dog is really the problem - the problem is the inattentive owner. A grumpy next door neighbor could be a contributing factor too, I'm sure . . . .

[K9-Lovers]

collie1228: sometimes my poodles "yodel" similar to a beagle when they are especially happy, or especially nervous. Dogs are so much fun! I hope you are moving next door to me!!

[wendyquat]

I got something called a "Bark Off" at WalMart. Works off battery and emits a sound that hurts their ears when they bark. I can't hear it but I can tell from his behavior that he really hears it. I only use it when barking might be a problem like in a motel or something. We live in the country so my dog car bark all he wants to at home. I have used it at night a couple of times when he hears another dog barking in the distance and it has affected our sleep!

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Pturner

I love ya, K-9 Lovers!

Your dogs are fortunate indeed.

And so are you to have them.

OOOOPS....I meant this for K-9 lovers but I know it fits you too PTurner.

[jblum8156]

Buc, I don't think anyone is complaining about coming-home barking or guard-dog barking. The barking that drives people nuts is the endless hours of barking, usually when the owner is away from home. And of course the owner doesn't know it unless somebody tells them.

[Reefer]

Originally Posted by jblum8156

Buc, I don't think anyone is complaining about coming-home barking or guard-dog barking. The barking that drives people nuts is the endless hours of barking, usually when the owner is away from home. And of course the owner doesn't know it unless somebody tells them.

Yep - Thank you...Just wanted to know what happens when this does happen and how often residents run into this problem. I think it's important to know before one would make a home purchase. Thanks for all of your comments on the subject.

[collie1228]

K-9, I hope so too. I like your neighborly attitude!