I have just rehomed a jack russell terrier cross bitch 7 months old (we got her last night), the only problem is that she barks when i leave the room and shut the door. Last night i put her bed in the kitchen (her previous owner sent it with her) and i switched off the kitchen light and shut the door, went upstairs and she started barking we did this about 5 times with me returning her to her bed with the command stay which didn't work. We ended up putting her bed just inside the door of our bedroom and she seemed quite happy there. This morning i wanted to see how she would react to me going out without her so i got my husband to keep her distracted so that i could pop to the corner shop, when i got back she was barking for me and was most upset about me leaving her i understand that this is all a totally new place for her but i would like to start as i mean to go on and teach her that i will be back and she doesn't need to bark please could you give me some advice on the best way to discourage barking.

Try putting her in a kennel and put something you have worn in with her and toys. Do this when you are home, leave the room then come back, leave for longer periods first 5 min, then 10 and so on. Eventually when you can leave the house do the same 5min, 10 min, ect., and always praise when you come back and let her out, don't let her out each time right away or she will expect it. Don't get her excited when you leave this will get her barking. Try using a command each time she barks I use quite, if that doesn't work I put my hand over their muzzle and say quite and if that doesn't work I put them in a down position, I was told its harder for a dog to bark when they are laying down. Good luck

Kas,
It's possible she's just feeling lost with moving home and she's maybe seeing you as leader. Do you know what her previous lifestyle was as it may help settle her if you manage not to change too much. Did she maybe sleep in her previous owners bedroom at night? or is she just trying it on :) Ignore her just before you go out and don't make a big thing of her when you first come back in.

I got my dog Toby when he was 2. He'd been mistreated but luckily they returned him to his breeders. He was with them about 5-6 weeks before I got him. I thought he settled with me really quickly but it's only with hindsight that I realise he's still gaining in confidence etc and I've had him about 18 months.

I agree, start as you mean to go on. Just be firm but fair and be consistent. I think rehoming a dog can sometimes be harder work than starting with a new pup if you don't know the background. It's difficult sometimes to tell if they're just trying it on :) :) When I got Toby I tried using a cage. (hadn't used one before but heard they were good if used properly) He would lie in it happily (door open) watching me when I was in the kitchen. I'd leave a radio/tv on while I was out and shut him in his cage but he barked constantly while I was out. After a few tries I left him in my bedroom (he sleeps there at night) and he never even barked once when I went out. So I think sometimes it's a bit of trial and error till you both find your feet but, on the whole, be as consistent as possible.

The barking may stop as she settles but if you do a search on here for "barking" it should throw up some good previous threads thay may help.
Good luck,
Dot

Kas

You have a little dog here that has been with you less than 24 hours. She is bound to be confused and upset. She needs to learn that you are going to come back which she will in time as she gets to know that your home is now her home. At this moment she doesn't have a clue. Just give her time and don't try her out with things. Let her find her way and get used to you, your husband and her new home. s she builds in confidence then you can start to leave her etc - but at the moment she is no different to an 8 week old puppy.

hth

Pam n the boys

Thankyou for all your advice. Since i posted earlier i have tried Dollface's advice and jess seems to be responding well but i will keep all advice in mind thankyou again.

Kas,
Congrats on your rehoming... just be patient. Not only does the dog has the habits its learned over the last 7 months, but she's also going through adolescence :rolleyes: Lots of changes to deal with in body and home -- PUPPY STRESS!!!!!! ;) :D
It will take time to get things sorted out, it's only natural. Also, JRT's can be very barky dogs ...just because :) So good luck and I wish you all the best. :D
toodles :Cool:

Hi Kas,

Not sure how much help I will be but if you read my post on westie thread above this may help.

Hope so anyway.

BFN

Pam