Dear Critter Corner:
We just started training class with our new pup, and he sat and barked for the whole class. The instructor gave us some tips, but I am curious how you would approach the constant barking in class.
This is something that happens in many training classes. The first day of class is always exciting, so there tends to be more energy in class, which can turn into excessive barking. While no one wants to have a dog that barks all class, we inadvertently sometimes reinforce the behavior. Here are a few suggestions to help in the class setting.
If your dog is trying to play with their neighbors or you see them staring for long periods of time, you can keep them busy with a fun game of ‘touch’ or ‘find it.’ These are both simple exercises you can do at your station to keep your pup busy. The key is to start the games BEFORE the barking happens.
If you think that your pup is bored, the above games are great ways to keep your pup busy. You can also bring some favorite non-squeaky toys to class to keep them engaged as well. You may want to exercise your pup shortly before class so that you have burned off some of that extra energy they may have.
If your pup is staring at you and barking, they are most likely “demand barking” or acting up in hopes of getting a treat because it has worked in the past. Many times, in class, we will give treats to our pups to keep them busy and stop the barking. Some of our pups pick up on the game quickly and use it to their advantage. If your pup falls into this category, come prepared with some favorite chew sticks or stuffed Kongs. Once the instructor starts to talk, you can give the chew to help keep your pup busy. Once the talk is over, remove the chew and give it back at the next break. It is also key with this exercise that the chew stick is given BEFORE the barking happens.
If you are still having problems with your pup, contact our training department and schedule a 1:1 session to address the behavior.