Hi guys

This is not a problem of mine but i would like your opinions, at the training class that i take my dogs to there is a sbt male who has suddenly started barking for the entire lesson.
The trainer is very good and well recommended (apdt) and only uses positive methods, the classes are in a hall and there are no more than 6 dogs per class. We have been in this class for 7 weeks and for the 1st 3 weeks this dog didn't put a paw out of place however for the last 4 weeks he comes in and barks from start to finish. The trainer has tried moving him onto the stage to watch and be rewarded for being quiet but as soon as he comes into the group again he barks. Now although this is not my problem the problem that i am having is that the lady who owns him always wants to sit next to me so i have this dog barking in my ear for the hour. The trainer has tried various methods such as removing him, praising for quiet behaviour, giving him space etc but he is still doing it and i have class tonight and am not looking forward to it for the first time ever, any ideas??

Ideas for you or how the owner can quiet the dog?
I feel for you... at my class it is the last class of the night 'high flyers' and only a few people go as it is quite challenging stuff for some dogs... but because all of the dogs are really well behaved our trainer has invited a dog with agression into the class so that he can be with quiet submissive dogs... this annoyed me a bit cause im a little wary every time I let my dogs off the lead to do some training there.. Every time he barks the owner takes him to the door and puts him the other side of the door... with the lead coming through so she can hold the lead.. this way he is alone and not getting attention for what he is doing...

and we all just have to cope with it and get on with it unfortunately haha so no tips for you im afraid. Im sure the dog will get there in the end and its good on the owner to keep going even though her dog is so noisy...

I have bearded collies known for thier barking usually when doing a task they get excited are very enthusiastic and of course bark ... ever heard the term..'barking beardies' typical of my breed .do your best to work the energy off in other ways,when  in working mode.

Of course not the same as your breed (which I know nothing about) but  I can only tell you what I do when my beardies bark during a class.

I work them during the lesson ie: sit , stand,  down,  wait so they dont have time to 'bark' as they are thinking about what instruction I am going to give next. If they are disturbing the class go off into a corner on your own rather than sitting trying to keep dog quiet give him something to do! down wait , stand , look at me , sit, walk around him in a circle so he watches you ..keep him busy then when he has calmed down continue with the class.

What I found with my dogs is that the trainer has to work slower to allow all dogs to take part some are easy learners some a little slower the dogs which bark are bored and need something to do while you wait for your turn.

I understand it must be so annoying for the other people in the class with an excited dog barking ....they are dogs and they all bark! just a case of accepting it. dont feel embarassed by your dog you are all their to learn every dog is different.

HTH

Roni

i was the one with the barking dog it was pure excitement with mine we had one of those room dividers that we put him behind every little peep, no talking to him at all he soon got the idea that the moment a sound parted his lips he was isolated took around 2-3 sessions before there was no barking but the improvement was noticed within 1! interested to read that a trainer has brought a agressive dog to class, in one of my classes there was a similar situation that got out of hand and my friends dog was attacked, i would not partake in a class in these circumstances (the class was not informed beforehand-in these cases you should have a choice) I wouldn't now ever allow one of my dogs to be a 'stooge'.
Angela

I think it might be interesting to think why the SBT started barking after the 4th week - what, if anything, was different?

Did he become more confident, or was he stimulated by people rewarding their dogs with toys and excitement?

The trainer does appear to be doing the correct things. I wonder if this though is a clue to why it's not working;
" The trainer has tried moving him onto the stage to watch and be rewarded for being quiet but as soon as he comes into the group again he barks."

Is the dog finding it too stressful/exciting/stimulating/boring etc etc....

Perhaps he needs to be moved half way towards the group if possible, and also sat where the owner can get up to walk him around if he starts to bark, which very often quietens them down.

Only a few thoughts, they may not be relevant of course...

I do feel great sympathy as it's very hard to know that this dog will be close to you again and barking in your ear. Can you sit somewhere else, or come in a bit after her so that you can choose where to sit...?

Good luck anyway! :)