Correct barking dog with distraction

Following is a reply to various readers: For those of you requesting more information on correcting barking dogs, here are some things you can do to interrupt this unwanted behavior.

There are ultrasonic devices that you can use in the house. (Do not use one intended for outside in the house).

These types of devices emit a high-pitched sound every time the dog barks (you can’t hear it), which tends to interrupt their behavior.

The dog eventually learns to stop barking because they don’t like the sound. That is called negative reinforcement and I would only recommend using this approach in the most extreme cases.

I prefer you try positive reinforcement first.

You can start by purchasing a Pet Corrector, or similar item, available online or at the pet store. It’s a training tool used to interrupt unwanted behaviors, such as barking or fence hitting.

It works with compressed air, so it makes a loud “shhhh” sound, which seems to get a dog’s attention and halts barking long enough for you to give a command.

As soon as your dog stops barking, call her to you, tell her she is a good girl, and give her a treat. Then, give her something to do.

Get a puzzle toy where she has to use her paw or nose to get the treat to pop out. The phrase “can’t do two things at once,” applies to dogs too. Puzzle toys can keep vocal dogs busy.

Pet tip: If you have a pet bird, don’t hang his cage in the kitchen, especially when cooking.

When Teflon pans overheat, they can release fumes that are very dangerous and deadly to birds.

But that doesn’t mean your bird is safe in the rest of the house either.

Be aware that fumes travel, so if you have a bird, consider getting rid of your Teflon pans, so you aren’t exposing them to dangerous fumes.