i asked for help about my bull terrier barking earlier and didnt really get the help i was looking for, I dont want to go to a behaviourist cos they charge a fortune can anyone reccommend a cure for my dog barking?
he gets lots of exercise and is not bored in any way he just seems to bark all the time i think its excitement that makes him do it.
I need something thats going to cure him, a woman in my street says to put a choker chain on him and yank him hard when he barks and this will stop him but i have heard choker chains are bad for dogs throat so i dont want to use this unless its a last resort please help! i need something i can do NOW cos he is barking at the moment and its driving me mad! he barks most of the day even through the night too i cant get a decent sleep and my neighbours are all moaning do you think one of those muzzles would work if i put a rubber band round it so its really tight to stop his jaws moving i dont know what they called

First off you need to look at what situations make him bark.  Please regsiter, it is free and you can answer questions.

Can he see people or animals out of a window?
Is he barking when you are not paying him attetnion?
Is it when you are getting ready for a walk?
What so you do when he barks?

Ditto What Barbara has wrtten Are you saying your dog barks 24/7 ?

Ello, Ello, whats all this then!!!
Dawn.

Its a fair cop Dawn ;)

Guest, do you really think putting a muzzle on your dog to the extent he can't move his jaws is going to make him happy?   If you want to make him stop barking, you first have to ascertain why he is barking-without doing this, there's no quick cure to stop the unwanted behaviour I'm afraid!  Please register with us so you can easily give answers to questions.

Guest, until you find out why he's barking, you won't be able to stop it! This is where you have to do the detective work - is there a dog nearby barking and setting him off? Can he see things outside that wind him up? Do you shout at him when he does it - if so, stop. As far as he's concerned you're joining in! Is he in the house or in a kennel?

You say he's not deaf - has he been BAER tested?

I agree.
It was me who recommended a behaviourist and the reason for that is because ideally you would talk to someone who can help you understand your dog.If he is insured, some insurers will pay for behavioural consultations which could solve the cost problem.Also costs vary enormously. Someone on www.apdt.co.uk would probably not cost much at all but some have behavioural interest and may be able to offer help... other organisations may have very experienced behaviourists but charge more.

It would indeed be helpful if you can tell us what seems to set him off and why - is it cats, people walking past, noises? Dustmen, kids playing, etc? Does he literally seem to bark all the time? If so can he see out the window etc assuming he is indoors? I agree that he would need to be BAER tested to be sure he isn't deaf. Owners can't tell properly for themselves and have been known to live for years with a deaf dog!!

I take it he isn't outside?

We really do need much more information if uou want us to help :)

Lindsay
X

There isn't a magic pill - think you've probably gathered that with the amount of aversives you've already tried with your dog. In fact, I'll hazard a guess that he is much worse after all the smacking, shouting, collars and goodness knows what else.

Behaviourists don't necessarily charge a fortune and certainly charge a lot less than the cost of electronic or spray collars and if you contract the services of a reputable behaviourist I think you'll find them cheaper than the equipment you've already tried and very probably a lot more effective.

I can recommend a cure.  Rehome him to someone who is interested in his wellbeing and who does not think that dogs have a switch that can be turned off.

If he's barking as much as you say, have you taken him to the vet to make sure there is not a medical reason for his distress?