Dogs will bark, but response training can shorten it

Dear Cathy: How can I get my 3-year-old terrier mix, Reef, to stop barking at everything? While inside, he barks at people and pets, delivery drivers, etc. Outside, he barks at other dogs walking by us on the street. The “shock” collar only worked for a while, but we did not want to keep it on him constantly. Bribing him with treats is not a good solution. — Bob, Cooper City, Florida

Dear Bob: You can’t stop a dog from barking, but you can shorten its duration through training. Treats are a training tool: It’s how we let dogs know when they have done something right. So here’s how to begin:

Dogs can’t do two things at once. So, whenever your dog is barking, call him. He will have to stop barking to walk over to you. If your dog has poor recall, you will need to train him. Begin by training him to look at you whenever you say his name. When he does, use a clicker to mark the correct behavior and follow up with a treat.

Next, focus on the recall training using the same techniques. Click the clicker the moment he turns to come when called. The clicker is the promise of a treat, so he will come for it.

After calling him, play a game, train him or give him a puzzle toy with treats inside to keep his mind busy. You also can mask outside noises by playing music or white noise, watching television or closing the blinds.

When he barks during your walks, say his name, turn quickly and walk the other way. If he makes eye contact, click and treat. Once he begins to focus on you, he should bark less.

Dear Cathy: We have a wonderful, 12-year-old shih tzu-bichon mix. She recently developed a strange habit. She now spends a good deal of her time covering her food with the mat underneath it or pretending to cover it with imaginary dirt. She usually walks away after it’s covered. The vet gives her a complete bill of good health and suggests that there may be some senility. Ideas or suggestions? — Sherry, Henderson, Nevada

Dear Sherry: While a normal dog behavior, it’s also an anxious behavior. In the wild, dogs often cover their food so no one else can eat it. Feed her just enough, so she eats her meal all in one sitting. If there is no food left in the bowl, she shouldn’t feel the need to cover it up. I think it’s OK to leave the mat, since covering her food harms no one and may even make her feel better in some way. Try over-the-counter anxiety chews and a pheromone collar to see if that helps.