this is my first time posting here, and definitely not my last. i have this problem where everytime i come home from work my dog barks uncontrollably for about 10 minutes. my kids and neighbors have been telling me for years to be more harsh with him and not let him freak out so much, but i can't get mad at him when he's just so happy to see me! :( what do you think i should do?
queenkarlata
10-03-2006, 05:08 PM
louise,
what you should do is, as hard as it may be, ignore him when you get home. dont look at him, keep your back to him, go about your business as if he werent there. definitely dont say anything to him. when he calms down, then you can pet him and say hi. if you're harsh on him, he is gonna relate your leaving to him getting a beating later and he'll probably freak out more when you get home. if ignoring him doesnt work, call a professional. your dog may have some serious issues.
Patty
10-03-2006, 05:57 PM
I agree, the best thing to do is ignore him. Once he realizes you won't respond to that kind of behavior, he should probably stop it. If that doesn't work, talk to a professional trainer.
JessMaster
10-11-2006, 03:46 AM
This is going to make three posts in total agreement. Ignore him.
Although dogs are not human, they understand human facial expressions and body language better than chimps. If you give him the slightest hint that you considered your separation from him to be a special event, then the whole process escalates... no matter how cute it is at first, barking for ten minutes after you get home gets old fast.
Unfortunately I encouraged a similar behavior once in my dog, involving swimming. I would go out into the ocean and she would remain in the shallow water pacing back and forth. When I would return to the shore she would bark at me and then grab ahold of my arm, "pulling me to safety." Everyone thought this was very amusing so I played along with her. Within a few weeks it was annoying me and confusing people on the beach since she became so frantic. So I had to gradually tone it down by ignoring her and saying "No!" when she attempted to grab my arm. This is more unfortunate for me than her, as she is a good swimmer and could probably rescue me if I needed it.