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Barking barking barking for attention!

1782 Views 23 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  rott-pei
Hello everyone,

I have a 55 pound Shepherd Blue Healer mix. When we go out and play he starts barking if I don’t throw the frisbee or ball fast enough. If I turn to talk to someone he starts barking barking barking. If I go over to the neighbors and he hears or sees me he starts barking barking barking. Sometimes if I’m busy and I don’t play with him he starts barking to get my attention. He also barks at every dog that goes by and I mean barks like he’s gonna rip your throat out. It’s so loud and shrill I scream at him. I know screaming is not a good thing but I jumped out of my skin at the sound of his bark. He does stop but I’m sure the whole neighborhood hears me. Yes I am reactive. I don’t know how to stop the barking. Anybody, suggestions, help, please. I feel horrible but I’m so reactive and I don’t know how to stop his barking or me being jolted by the shrill of his bark. I’m surprised my ears don’t start bleeding bc of the sound. Thanks for any suggestions.

Robin and Buddy the Bambino K9
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In addition to the very valid point made by @dogslife, I would add that both Shepherds and Blue Heelers are very vocal dogs by nature, so to some extent you may be battling genetics here as well.

I've only had 1 Blue Heeler over the years, and she was an awesome cattle dog, but a bit of a yapper.

All of which to say that you can probably lessen the barking as dogslife pointed out by rewarding behavior you want, but you may have to settle for "better" not perfect due to the breed.
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