I have 2 Rough Collies, a dog aged 5 and a bitch aged 3. When we get ready to take the dogs out, the bitch does nothing but yap all the time in the car, from getting their leads to all the way down to the beach. Even when we arrive, she still yaps continually whilst out walking. I know this is only excitement but we have tried smacking, ignoring, one of those special whistles but nothing will stop her - any ideas please??

Hi Gill
Have you tried putting stones in a tin can and throwing it when the dog barks, dont throw it at the dog but near her also trying not to let her see you do it. The idea is to give them a fright when they bark. I use training discs or mm noisy bitch its stopped her barking outside but would love to find something to stop them indoors mealtimes are hell, and as for trying to hoover !!!!
Sorry cant be a lot of help
Sheila

Hiya Sheila and thanks for your suggestion but, unfortunately, already tried and failed miserably. The first couple of times it worked and then she decided it was just a game and would run over and bark at the tin!!! Was contacted by a Behaviourist today which sounded great and thinks there is an underlying problem but, unfortunately, cannot spare the cash at the moment. All in all, our dogs are such a pleasure and she has such a personality that we will just have to live with it for the time being. Feeding and hoovering are no problem for us, thank goodness - good luck with yours!! Thanks again.

Gill

Gail, I have Rough Collies too! If they begin to bark when I get their leads out, then I put them back in the cupboard. Each one of the youngsters soon learn that if they bark, then they don't go out. When they are quiet, then we all go to the beach. Just be consistant and you'll have dogs that are a pleasure to take out.

Hello Val and thanks for the suggestion. We have already tried this but as soon as we get the leads out again, or if they see me putting on my trainers, it all starts up again!!! Will try and persevere with this one although then I feel very guilty if we don't take them to the beach - no win situation but we love them to bits anyway. Thanks again Val.

GILL

Persevere Gill, and be consistant over a period of time. I know it's hard not to go out when you have planned to. But remember that Collies are very bright dogs and will work out how to get what THEY want!!
Just out of interest Gill, what colour are your Collies? Some seem to be much quieter than others ;)

Hiya Val, sorry for the delay, have been away. Our Collies are both Sable/White - we previously had a tri-colour and she didn't yap at all but was very, very nervous. Quite honestly we have just accepted it now, especially when she comes out of the Kennels as she did on Tuesday. We still love them both to bits so will just put up with it.

Thanks again.

GILL