18 months Boston Terrier barks non stop when sleepy, help!

by Tessa
(IL)

I have the sweetest boston terrier puppy. She is 18 months old fully house trained and well behaved for the most part. The problem is when she gets sleepy and wants to fall sleep. She goes under the coffee table and barks non-stop. I have tried ignoring her as well as many other ways, but none has responded so far and she barks even louder when I ignore her. I dont know what do I need to do to break this bad habit so she wouldnt do it few times a day. She listens to me pretty well in spite of her palyfulness. She picks up everything so fast and she knows what is expected of her but nothing has worked in this regard. I appreciate for any suggestions/ advice anyone could give me. Thanks

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18 months Boston Terrier barks non stop when sleepy, help!

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Aug 03, 2011
 sleepy, barking Boston
by: Linda Galway/TurnerME

Well, this is a new one! In thinking back on my obedience training years, I was trying to figure out what I might do in this case. I think I would first say, "No Bark!" and as soon as she stopped barking, probably would immediately praise with, "Good girl, no bark, good no bark," with the appropriate intonations. If she starts again, I would use this method another time or two, but if she seems to ignore it, I would quietly go get my (cloth) training collar, slip it on and sit on the couch behind her. No correction,yet. If she doesn't bark again right away, more praise for a "Good Girl, no bark, good no bark." If she doesn't bark, keep reinforcing every 20 seconds, increasing the time between good reinforcements as you go along. If she regresses to the barking, a good correction tug (if you're not sure how to do this, it's a quick, firm tug to get her attention and then an immediate loosening of the leash so it's only a tug and does not drag on her neck.) "No bark!" said at the same time as the correction. If she stops, IMMEDIATE praise again.

If she continues to bark, even after a correction or 2, you need to get her attention by bringing her face-to-face with you, your hands grabbing the collar and the loose skin around her neck (don't pincch, just hold firmly) and say, looking right into her eyes, in low, growly voice, "NOOOOOO Bark!" DO NOT avert your eyes until she averts hers, then let go. I hope you have taken her to some obedience classes so you are familiar with what I'm proposing. As a last resort, use the "Alpha-Wolf" technique from the Monks of New Skeet. I'm sure you can find it online. For some dogs, it's the only way they will accept what you say. I don't think you'll get to this point, but it's a good technique to know anyway. I can't imagine why she is doing this; seems like some sort of anxiety thing. Very strange! :}
Aug 03, 2011
 Sleepy Bark
by: Mary

+
You might want to try giving her a stuffed animal to sleep with.

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