PatSmart

Thank you for the suggestions. This morning as I was going to prepare his meal , every time he barked and jumped, I stopped and turned away from him. Needless to say, it took a while to get to his run (stopping about every 2 steps) . I think he confused because his usual antics weren’t working so well. Following your suggestions, should I have turned and left the room each time?

Our 2.5 yr old Irish Setter Malone, whom we adopted from his breeder a year ago after he finished his championship, came with few manners. We started immediately teaching him basics, using a clicker as well as food, and he's very smart. He's had some formal training, CGC and private training, as well as scent training. Because of COVID, classes haven't been available, and I have been lax. His barking has increased to the point where we are extreme;y frustrate. Most of it is centered around food (meals and treats) or playing ball/retrieve. Our English Setter is hypothyroid and needs her medication at least an hour before a meal. Malone's clock is better than mine; knows the time to eat or have a treat almost down to the minute! He then starts barking and jumping up on us. I have tried becoming "a tree", with my back turned, before going to the garage where their runs are, but he barks and jumps the whole way. I know we have reinforced the behavior; we didn't catch it quickly enough before realizing we had a serious problem. He was mostly a kennel dog with his sister, so I'm sure he was already an attention-seeker barker before he came to us. He also does his barking/jumping routine later in the evening when it's time for treats, and barks when he wants to play ball. We mostly do that in the house because we live in West Texas, and it gets hot here early and stays hot until well after dark. I know he needs more exercise, as well as working his brain. We have a dog walker who comes early twice a week and walk him for about an hour. I know he needs more. We have a pool, but we haven't been able to entice him into it yet. We adore him, and other than the barking and jumping, he's very sweet and very much the perfect setter. Our being home most of the time has accentuated his being demanding, I think. I was planning to get him into the Pet Therapy program I help direct, but we're not able to go into the hospital right now. I admit, I've fallen down in training and have allowed this behavior to become excessive. We are both in our 70's and in good health, other than some of the usual joint issues, and I am afraid he'll knock one of us down. if it would help, one of us can video his meal-time antics and attach it. I'm also not sure sure where to start with your program. He knows the basics, but should I just start at the beginning with pre-school? How long do we continue to work & grade an exercise.after he makes a passing grade?