Attention barking

[ManidaMorrell]

Hi,

I have a 3 and a half month old male border collie pup. He lives with a 10 month old female chihuahua puppy (scary combination given he is so boisterous and she's so small but that's another issue).

The problem I'm having is when I put him outside for any reason like being too rough with the chi, just for him to have outside time or to feed him (as soon as he's finished) he will bark constantly to come back in. He just doesn't seem happy at all to have any time by himself.

I've tried to ignore him for a while and then catch him when he's not barking to let him in but there seems to be no improvement. There is always someone at home and he does spend a good bit of time inside.

Thanks for any advise in advance, mum and I are going a little crazy

Edited May 19, 2018 by ManidaMorrell

[Adrienne Farricelli]

Hello Manida Morrell,

Welcome to the forums,

I wouldn't really call this "attention barking" albeit there is an attention element, but more "isolation barking." Dogs are very attached to their social group (their family). By putting him outside, it is perceived as punishment because he is being separated from his family.

 

If he needs outside time, I would suggest it would be best if you (or any other family member) can go out with him. This way he can enoy the great outdoors, he is supervised and prevented from getting in any trouble and you are there with him to redirect him and provide guidance as needed. Being out with him, you can also take advantage of training him. You can reward voluntary check-ins (praise and give a treat when he explores and then on his own will comes to you) and you can practice fun recalls too. Since there is always someone at home, this may sound like a great solution. Just to share a little tidbit: although my Rotties are now 10, all their lives they have been outside with us, ever since being young puppies!

 

If you need to redirect him from being too rough with the chi, perhaps being sent outside is a bit too drastic. It may help to provide a timeout area such as play pen or crate, but not to really use as punishment but as rediection. In ther words, you call him to you and give him a stuffed Kong inside the enclosure for him to chill out for a bit. This still in the home with his family nearby. Alternatively, if he's being too rough, you can all go outside together (with your chi too). Chances are, once out they will just go sniff and explore rather than engaging in more rough play.

 

You were correct in ignoring him and catching him when he's not barking to open the door. If this is done repeatedly and persistently, you may see a decrease in barking temporarily, but it's likely to resume because the dog is often in distress. This is why neighbors often complain about dogs left alone who bark all day. Although, the owners are not there for many hours to relieve the dog of the isolation distress, the barking persists just because it's the dog's way of venting his deep sorrow.

Edited May 27, 2018 by Adrienne Farricelli

[ManidaMorrell]

Thankyou so much for the advise. I will put it into action.