|
||||||||
I need help with my Shih Tzu's barking |
![]() |
|
|
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|
#1 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Posts: 4,011
|
I need help with my Shih Tzu's barking
Hi guys,
I need some help! We have a Shih Tzu who is coming up to 11 months old. Generally he is a great dog, he pretty much does what he is told and he is 99.9% house trained (only time he goes in the house is if we go to bed really early and don't get up til late)....but anyway, we have a problem. For work, I set my alarm for 6.30 and get up between 6.45 and 7. Generally Alfie (the dog) will start barking shortly after he hears my alarm go off from downstairs, so I get up and go and let him out and then he's fine, it's not a problem because I get up to go to work and my wife is up before I leave the house. The problem has been that at the weekends he likes to bark between 7 & 8am, even though there is no alarm going off or anything to indicate to him that we are awake (we aren't!!). Feeling that he probably needs the loo and that his body clock is waking him, either me or my wife will get up and let him out, then we tried to bring him up to bed with us but he is so hyper that he won't settle so usually one of us gets up and takes him out for a bit or goes and watches TV with him. It's not ideal as we haven't had a lie in together for a long time, but the real problem is that now he seems to be getting earlier and earlier, even during the week. For example, today he was barking at 3.30am so I got up, let him out to the loo (he had a massive wee) then told him to get back into bed (he did) and closed the door and went back to bed myself. He barked and barked until I got up at 7am. Yesterday it was the (slightly) more sociable hour of 5am that he started barking, again I went to let him out and went back to bed but he continued. We have even tried not going down to let him out at all but he doesn't stop at all until somebody gets up. I'm really at the end of my tether with it and he knows he shouldn't be doing it because when I come down he runs off knowing that he's going to get told off. We need to get to the stage where the dog doesn't get up until we're up (the same as any other dogs I've had in my life)....we rarely sleep more than 8/9 hours anyway so he should be ok to hold his toilet provided he goes before bed (which he always does). Anyone got any ideas? I'm fresh out
|
|
|
|
|
Please sign in or register to remove this advertisement.
|
|
|
#2 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 8,931
|
Sounds like he knows if he barks you will come! He started a 7-8am as he is used to seeing you at that time. Dogs don't really do "lie-ins". Knowing that barking makes you appear he continues to do it, even earlier if needs be.
If it were me I would try and ignore it and get him back into the routine you had before. Bed at a certain time and then up at a certain time. Dogs love routine. [If you think the neighbours can hear too, tell them you're trying to sort the barking out so they are aware.] Does he get enough exercise in the day? A walk before bedtime? |
|
|
|
|
|
#3 |
|
Inactive Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 53
|
We've been going to dog classes and a couple have a similar problem with their dog. The teacher showed them how to stop the dog barking by throwing keys at a tin tray when the dog barked. It completely distracted the dog, and when he stopped barking he was praised.
Apparently the beauty of this is you're not rewarding him in anyway, for barking. Bit difficult I know if you're upstairs when he barks, but you might be able to take the principle and sort something out. |
|
|
|
|
|
#4 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: woking
Posts: 21,660
|
All my dogs once woken have needed to relieve themselves same after eating, if the alarm wakes him up he may just need to go outside. They are also slaves to routine and if they wake up 5am mon-fri find it difficult to understand we don't wake up till 8am at weekends. Consequently we are the earliest wakers at the weekend round here, has it's compensations though as it's quiet and peaceful going for a walk.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5 |
|
Inactive Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 53
|
Our dog always wants to go in her basket around 9pm. She stays in there until I'm up, even though OH comes downstairs to make a drink for us to have in bed. Even if we have a lie in at the weekend, she still waits for me to get up. I guess we're just lucky.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#6 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Posts: 4,011
|
Quote:
Sounds like he knows if he barks you will come! He started a 7-8am as he is used to seeing you at that time. Dogs don't really do "lie-ins". Knowing that barking makes you appear he continues to do it, even earlier if needs be.
If it were me I would try and ignore it and get him back into the routine you had before. Bed at a certain time and then up at a certain time. Dogs love routine. [If you think the neighbours can hear too, tell them you're trying to sort the barking out so they are aware.] Does he get enough exercise in the day? A walk before bedtime? Quote:
We've been going to dog classes and a couple have a similar problem with their dog. The teacher showed them how to stop the dog barking by throwing keys at a tin tray when the dog barked. It completely distracted the dog, and when he stopped barking he was praised.
Apparently the beauty of this is you're not rewarding him in anyway, for barking. Bit difficult I know if you're upstairs when he barks, but you might be able to take the principle and sort something out. Quote:
All my dogs once woken have needed to relieve themselves same after eating, if the alarm wakes him up he may just need to go outside. They are also slaves to routine and if they wake up 5am mon-fri find it difficult to understand we don't wake up till 8am at weekends. Consequently we are the earliest wakers at the weekend round here, has it's compensations though as it's quiet and peaceful going for a walk.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#7 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: woking
Posts: 21,660
|
If something is waking him up then yes he may need to go sooner than you would think - heck I do too when the people next door come home after I have gone to bed and wake me up I have to get up and go again even if it's only an hour.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#8 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 8,931
|
Quote:
Our dog always wants to go in her basket around 9pm. She stays in there until I'm up, even though OH comes downstairs to make a drink for us to have in bed. Even if we have a lie in at the weekend, she still waits for me to get up. I guess we're just lucky.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#9 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Posts: 4,011
|
Quote:
If something is waking him up then yes he may need to go sooner than you would think - heck I do too when the people next door come home after I have gone to bed and wake me up I have to get up and go again even if it's only an hour.
![]() I also worry because our next door neighbours (terraced houses) have a 6 month old baby and I'd hate to think Alfie was waking him up. |
|
|
|
|
|
#10 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 8,931
|
Just be aware big_hard_lad of using "punishment" - if you're going to use water spray etc you have to do it as soon as he's barking. Any delay will confuse him as to what he's being told off for. He won't make the connection.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#11 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 8,931
|
Quote:
Fair point. I just find it hard to believe because he is a cheeky little fellow at the best of times and he WILL go in the house if he is really desperate and no one is around to let him out....as was demonstrated last weekend. Maybe it's his all round behaviour that is impacting on this, he is quite spoilt. It's probably not too late to change though given his age.
I also worry because our next door neighbours (terraced houses) have a 6 month old baby and I'd hate to think Alfie was waking him up. PS If the barking is waking you up, try ear plugs!
|
|
|
|
|
|
#12 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Posts: 4,011
|
Quote:
Just be aware big_hard_lad of using "punishment" - if you're going to use water spray etc you have to do it as soon as he's barking. Any delay will confuse him as to what he's being told off for. He won't make the connection.
Also, he definitely knows what he's doing is wrong because whenever he is making a racket and one of us comes down he hides and won't really make eye contact with you unless you get down on the ground and call him over. So I guess it's a case of making him realise that it's unacceptable....not just that he can do it then look all cute and be forgiven! |
|
|
|
|
|
#13 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Posts: 4,011
|
Quote:
I think as long as you explain to your neighbours they will be fine - they're probably worrying if their baby's crying wakes you guys up! I know our neighbours worried about that!
PS If the barking is waking you up, try ear plugs! ![]() My wife wears earplugs all the time (she's a very light sleeper and has to in order to get any sleep). I borrowed one last night (couldn't find another) when he was barking and it helped a little....but not much! |
|
|
|
|
|
#14 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 8,931
|
Quote:
Yeah I know what you mean...personally I'd rather use the "noisey" method as it's neither punishment nor reward. I just don't know how we could implement it in this situation.
Also, he definitely knows what he's doing is wrong because whenever he is making a racket and one of us comes down he hides and won't really make eye contact with you unless you get down on the ground and call him over. So I guess it's a case of making him realise that it's unacceptable....not just that he can do it then look all cute and be forgiven! Have you tried just opening the back door for him to go out and do his business, if that is what he needs to do, but no petting or talking, just do it all very boooooringly.......
|
|
|
|
|
|
#15 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Posts: 4,011
|
Quote:
When you go down, do you tell him off? That may be why he is running away initially? And then you get down on the floor and make a fuss of him, sounds like he loves having you come down LOL!
Have you tried just opening the back door for him to go out and do his business, if that is what he needs to do, but no petting or talking, just do it all very boooooringly....... ![]() That's not a bad idea actually, just down, open the door and say nothing. Would I be allowed to tell him to go outside and do his business? Cause if I don't I'll open the back door and he'll be all over me like a rash and not care less that the door is open! |
|
|
|
|
|
#16 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 8,931
|
Of course but say it matter of fact, just so he knows it's not playtime but toilet time and bedtime.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#17 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Posts: 4,011
|
Quote:
Of course but say it matter of fact, just so he knows it's not playtime but toilet time and bedtime.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#18 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 8,931
|
Good luck, may take a few days to get him used to it. Just think "boring"!
|
|
|
|
|
|
#19 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Posts: 4,011
|
Quote:
Good luck, may take a few days to get him used to it. Just think "boring"!
![]() |
|
|
|
|
|
#20 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Posts: 4,011
|
So last night he went to bed as normal and then started barking at 3am. We decided to ignore him completely and not acknowledge it. He stopped at around 3.30 but then started up again at 5am. Again, we decided to ignore him and he continued to bark right through until I got up at 6. He also definitely didn't need the loo as he'd done a wee on the kitchen floor.
When I got up, I crept down the stairs and he could obviously hear me as he stopped barking, I waited in the hall until he started again and then made my entrance, told him off and then completely ignored him. I wanted to get him when he was barking rather than when he had stopped. He then had the cheek to actually go and get into his bed and proceeded to go to sleep!! Really at the end of my tether now
|
|
|
|
|
|
#21 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: A windy hill near Huddersfield
Posts: 1,073
|
Quote:
Fair point. I just find it hard to believe because he is a cheeky little fellow at the best of times and he WILL go in the house if he is really desperate and no one is around to let him out....as was demonstrated last weekend. Maybe it's his all round behaviour that is impacting on this, he is quite spoilt. It's probably not too late to change though given his age.
I also worry because our next door neighbours (terraced houses) have a 6 month old baby and I'd hate to think Alfie was waking him up. Might be worth getting him checked by the vet to make sure he doesn't have any trouble with his waterworks. Other than that, the "boring" response is pretty good and there are also collars you can buy which can deter a dog from barking. |
|
|
|
|
#22 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Posts: 4,011
|
Quote:
Just a thought, but maybe it's the other way round and Alfie can hear the baby.
Might be worth getting him checked by the vet to make sure he doesn't have any trouble with his waterworks. Other than that, the "boring" response is pretty good and there are also collars you can buy which can deter a dog from barking. My wife seems to think that his barking is different from his normal barking and that it sounds like he's scared....personally I'm not sure as it's hard to remember when you're woken up in the night. I'm going to set up a camera in the living room tonight (I work in IT for a CCTV manufacturer so it's not as bonkers as it sounds) and see if there is something going on. The other thing that I haven't mentioned that my wife thinks might be playing a part is that he stayed with my parents between 14th Jan & 2nd Feb as we were on holiday. They have two dogs who are a couple of months older than him and he LOVES them (they love him too, to be fair). He had a great time there by all accounts, he always does. My wife reckons he may now have gotten over his initial excitement of being home and is now missing them? Could be I suppose, I just think it would've manifested before now as we've been home for 3 weeks today. |
|
|
|
|
|
#23 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: A windy hill near Huddersfield
Posts: 1,073
|
Quote:
He's actually going to the vet tomorrow to get his dew claws trimmed so I am going to mention it to them. I don't think he has any problems with his waterworks as he has never had any problems before and hasn't ever had any signs he does....but that's not to say he doesn't! I saw the collars....if we can't find any other solution I might have to try one of those.
My wife seems to think that his barking is different from his normal barking and that it sounds like he's scared....personally I'm not sure as it's hard to remember when you're woken up in the night. I'm going to set up a camera in the living room tonight (I work in IT for a CCTV manufacturer so it's not as bonkers as it sounds) and see if there is something going on. The other thing that I haven't mentioned that my wife thinks might be playing a part is that he stayed with my parents between 14th Jan & 2nd Feb as we were on holiday. They have two dogs who are a couple of months older than him and he LOVES them (they love him too, to be fair). He had a great time there by all accounts, he always does. My wife reckons he may now have gotten over his initial excitement of being home and is now missing them? Could be I suppose, I just think it would've manifested before now as we've been home for 3 weeks today. Being very matter of fact, not letting him get too much out of your getting up to see to him, might be the best way forward. Don't even tell him off. Just act detached, open the door to let him out, if he doesn't want to go out just leave the room and go back to bed. Give him as little attention as possible during the night hours but give him positive attention at the time that suits you. Hopefully he should soon get the message. Good luck
|
|
|
|
|
#24 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: woking
Posts: 21,660
|
Quote:
So last night he went to bed as normal and then started barking at 3am. We decided to ignore him completely and not acknowledge it. He stopped at around 3.30 but then started up again at 5am. Again, we decided to ignore him and he continued to bark right through until I got up at 6. He also definitely didn't need the loo as he'd done a wee on the kitchen floor.
When I got up, I crept down the stairs and he could obviously hear me as he stopped barking, I waited in the hall until he started again and then made my entrance, told him off and then completely ignored him. I wanted to get him when he was barking rather than when he had stopped. He then had the cheek to actually go and get into his bed and proceeded to go to sleep!! Really at the end of my tether now ![]() |
|
|
|
|
|
#25 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Posts: 4,011
|
Quote:
I may be misunderstanding but surely the fact he wee'd means he did need to go ??
|
|
|
|
![]() |
|
|
All times are GMT. The time now is 23:23.



