My Australian Shepherd, Eevee, is always barking at my brother-in-law, who lives with us. She doesn’t seem to stop, no matter what we try. It’s been six months now, and our landlord is getting upset. My wife thinks we should rehome Eevee, but I really don’t want to lose her. Does anyone have tips for getting her to stop barking at him?
Have you tried treats? Sometimes if the person she’s barking at gives her treats when entering a room, it can help.
ZACKY said:
Have you tried treats? Sometimes if the person she’s barking at gives her treats when entering a room, it can help.
I haven’t tried that, but it’s a great idea. Should he throw the treat or hand it to her directly?
ZACKY said:
Have you tried treats? Sometimes if the person she’s barking at gives her treats when entering a room, it can help.
Throwing it might be better at first, so she doesn’t feel too nervous about getting close to him.
ZACKY said:
Have you tried treats? Sometimes if the person she’s barking at gives her treats when entering a room, it can help.
Got it. I’ll ask him to try that tonight. Thanks for the suggestion!
Is she more of an anxious dog around strangers? Maybe she’s still not used to him being around.
Elijah said:
Is she more of an anxious dog around strangers? Maybe she’s still not used to him being around.
Yeah, she’s definitely a little anxious. She usually warms up to people after seeing them a few times, though.
Elijah said:
Is she more of an anxious dog around strangers? Maybe she’s still not used to him being around.
If he’s not around much during the day, that might explain it. She probably still sees him as a stranger.
Elijah said:
Is she more of an anxious dog around strangers? Maybe she’s still not used to him being around.
Makes sense. He does spend most of his time in his room. Any tips for helping her get used to him?
Elijah said:
Is she more of an anxious dog around strangers? Maybe she’s still not used to him being around.
Maybe have him spend time in shared spaces with her, even if it’s just sitting quietly while she’s nearby.
Does she know basic commands like ‘quiet’ or ‘sit’? Training those could help manage the barking.
Aurelia said:
Does she know basic commands like ‘quiet’ or ‘sit’? Training those could help manage the barking.
She knows ‘sit’ pretty well, but not ‘quiet.’ Do you have tips for teaching that?
Aurelia said:
Does she know basic commands like ‘quiet’ or ‘sit’? Training those could help manage the barking.
When she barks, wait for a pause and say ‘quiet.’ Then reward her with a treat. Repeat until she gets it!
Aurelia said:
Does she know basic commands like ‘quiet’ or ‘sit’? Training those could help manage the barking.
Sounds simple enough. I’ll give it a shot. Thanks for the help!
Maybe she feels protective of you and sees your brother-in-law as a threat? Dogs can be funny like that.
jordansmith said:
Maybe she feels protective of you and sees your brother-in-law as a threat? Dogs can be funny like that.
That could be it. She’s always been pretty protective. Any idea how to help her feel less on edge?
jordansmith said:
Maybe she feels protective of you and sees your brother-in-law as a threat? Dogs can be funny like that.
Let her see you and your brother-in-law interacting positively. Dogs pick up on those vibes.
jordansmith said:
Maybe she feels protective of you and sees your brother-in-law as a threat? Dogs can be funny like that.
I’ll try that too. Hopefully, seeing us getting along will help her relax.
What’s ‘barking’? Is that the same as whining? Sorry, I’m not familiar with dog terms.
PriyankaJonas said:
What’s ‘barking’? Is that the same as whining? Sorry, I’m not familiar with dog terms.
No worries! Barking is the loud sound dogs make, like ‘woof.’ Whining is softer, more like a whimper.