[pennyandzelda]

Hi all!!! I have a 1.5 year old cocker spaniel, but just got a 5 month old mini aussie......she's NUTS. I've never heard a dog bark so much!!! Nothing gets her to stop. She also constantly bites and nips. I really need help It's getting really frustrating. I know they're a super intelligent breed, but she definitely doesn't understand the word NO. Helpppppp

 

[jclark343]

How much both physical and mental exercise is she getting? Aussies are very active dogs and need to be both physically and mentally worked out. Not to mention the nipping can happen with puppies or are teething.

 

[Shandula]

I also find the Mini's seem to be a bit more neurotic than the standards. I've only met one Mini who wasn't off the walls crazy.

Large amounts of barking screams boredom to me. What do you do with her on a daily basis?

 

[mathilda]

well that's for getting a specialised working dog.
it's just starting.
make sure to exercise her mentally and physically (by interacting with you) and don't overdo it and teach her to settle down.
nipping seems also very common with aussies and borders. I'd try redirecting her to a toy.

is she still approachable when she's in her barking mode? If yes, try redirecting her and build up an alternative behaviour.

No dog knowns the word no from the very beginning.
You've got to train them to know an abort command if you want to use one.

 

[traciek88]

I also find the Mini's seem to be a bit more neurotic than the standards. I've only met one Mini who wasn't off the walls crazy.

^This. I have to admit when I meet a Mini Aussie I expect them to be emotionally/mentally unstable. That being said, it's possible this dog just needs a lot more exercise and mental stimulation. Get some toys like kongs or dog puzzles, and work on training.

No dogs understand the word "no" unless you demonstrate what it means. My dog Stella does have a quiet command, but I had to give the hand signal and verbal repeatedly with treats before she understood what it meant. Also, don't use the word "no" for multiple things. If you want to use no for a general "stop doing that!" the dog will get confused. The pup might be able to understand if "no" means "stop barking" but if it also means "stop chewing the furniture" "stop jumping on the counter" and "stop running out the door" then your dog will likely not listen to anything. Use separate commands for what you want the dog to do/not do. If you're not experienced with training I'd recommend a class.

 

[Bluesky1116]

Your puppy may not understand NO.
Most dogs don’t know what you want when you’re yelling at them to “shut up.” So train your dog to understand the word “Quiet!”
When your dog is barking, say “Quiet” in a calm, firm voice.

Getting your dog to bark less will take time, work, practice, and consistency. It won’t happen overnight.

Why Dogs Bark: Stop Excessive Barking

This article may help you get to understand why your dog bark.

 

[Redwood]

Oh boy. It's time to bust out every brain toy you can think of to get or afford to keep that neurotic little fuzzmonster busy instead of driving everyone up the wall. If you have something to redirect her to when she starts her barking fits, it may interrupt them before she really gets going. Is she very food motivated, or toy motivated? Does she like to chase balls or toys, or likes to run around like a lunatic?