barking newf

[Kim]

Our newf, who is a little over 2 years old, barks to demand our attention - whether it's to be fed or to play. Ironically, she does not do so to be let out. We are trying to train her to be patient. How much patience can one expect from a two-year-old Newf? I thought she would have reached full adulthood by now, but this behavior is very adolescent!

 

[Jeannie]

Kim,
I have a 3 year old (almost 4) that barks all the time. So if someone has an answer to our problem.....by all means please let in on your secret for quieting a newf.

I have tried everything I can think of to break this habit--even ignoring her, but nothing works
HELP

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Jeannie and the rescues
Sara, Samantha and Panda

 

[Kodiak]

In obedience classes that we've attended, it was always mentioned that when a puppy/dog barked for no reason, to squirk a little bit of RealLemon in his/her mouth. We are the owners of a 6mth black Newfie named Kodiak Bear, known as "Kodi", who for no reason sat or stood there barking at us. We tried the lemon trick and it does work. Whenever he thinks he's going to bark at us, we just have to ask him if he wants "Mr. Lemon" and head for the refrigerator. The look on his face is priceless, but no bark comes out of it. He's definitely learned that using his paw was a better way of getting attention.

 

[nice newfie]

I have a Yorkie/Pom mix that can drive you nuts, I read recently to squirt water at them when they bark for no reason. I've been doing it for two days, Now all I have to do it show up with the bottle in my hand and he stops. (I used a very well cleaned out dishsoap bottle).Try it and let me know if it works for you.

 

[Diane]

Our obedience instructor told us about the lemon - although she instructs us to rub a half lemon into/onto their nose. The "Real Lemon" approach would be much more convenient. (And clean!)

 

[kzdz]

We use "Bitter Apple" spray. I tried "Bitter Lime" with Morgan, but she actually enjoyed it and thought it was a great treat! The "Bitter Apple" seemed to work pretty well. Now she only barks when something is extremely urgent, and even then it's one woof every 30 seconds or so.

I don't know if water spray would work very well. Morgan and Quark both like having water squirted at them. Trying to catch the spray is a really fun game. I think it's a breed thing because our lab doesn't like being squirted at all.

 

[Jeannie]

I am happy to report that I can now control Samantha's barking--with the help of "Mr Lemon"

It only took 2 times of squirting it into her mouth and now all I have to do is show her the "bottle" and she shuts right up.

THANK YOU FOR THE TIP

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Jeannie and the rescues
Sara, Samantha and Panda

 

[Kodiak]

Jeannie: I'm happy that "Mr Lemon" worked for you

. When I was told that this was a quick way to stop puppy barking, I just couldn't imagine squirting lemon juice in a pups mouth. Our vet said it was OK. It worked with our beloved late Golden (10 years old) when he was a puppy and had to try the same thing again with Kodi. What was the look on your dogs face when "Mr. Lemon" got mentioned? Kodi starts licking his mouth when he hears those two words and no bark escapes from it.

 

[AmyPC]

What a good tip! The lemon squeeze, I mean.

Rory sometimes barks excessively when she's outside. Not to come in, but at a possum or something. We might try the lemon squeeze trick.

 

[Maggiesmom]

OK I must have the only Newf that LIKES lemon! We have made it a point not to feed her scraps from the table, counters, etc. If she gets a "people treat" its given in a neutral area. Unfortunatly she seems to have picked up a begging habit from the older dog that was given "people treats" from the table etc. So we tried given them each a slice of lemon when they begged while cutting one up. THEY BOTH ATE IT!!! So back to square one with finding something they dont like!

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Shawn

 

[Annie Milliron]

I'm going to the store right now for "Mr. Lemon!!!" It'll be interesting to see what Kira thinks of it!!!!

 

[Kodiak]

Maggiesmom: I'm at a complete loss!!!!

Maybe your Newfie thinks of the lemon as a scrap of food and therefore thinks if you are offering it, it must be edible. I've only been told about the RealLemon that can be squirted as a safe measure to control barking.

 

[Maggiesmom]

What we did was when she was begging (the other dog too) while a lemon was being sliced we took a small hunk and squeezed it so the juices from it dripped into her mouth. She licked her lips a few times & then wanted the lemon piece!!

Then the other dog (my interpetation here) thought well if shes gonna eat it I"M gonna eat it!!

cuz he spits it out several times but still eats it!! What goof balls they are

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Shawn

 

[Diane]

I watched Amy and Willie last night eat a hot mustard packet from Chinese food as if it were a delicacy - so there's no accounting for taste. Of course, it was straight to the white porcelain "drinking" bowl for them to consume 40 gallons of water. Go Figure!