Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, are known for their high-pitched barking. While barking is a natural behavior for dogs, excessive barking can become a problem for both the dog and the owner. Reactive barking, such as barking at strangers or other dogs, can be particularly challenging to manage. In this article, we will explore 10 strategies to help Shelties stop reactive barking. Whether you have a Sheltie that barks excessively or just want to prevent the excessive barking from becoming a problem, these strategies can help you and your furry friend live in harmony.
⚠️ Note: While the tips below should get you started, it’s important to realize that your Sheltie’s excessive barking is a symptom of reactivity. Consider looking into an online training course that specifically addresses reactivity (we like SpiritDog’s “Tackling Reactivity course or K9 Institute’s Dog Masterclass)
1. Identify and Understand Your Sheltie’s Triggers:
The first step to addressing reactive barking is to identify the specific triggers that cause your Sheltie to bark. Observe your dog closely to determine what situations or stimuli provoke their barking, such as encountering other dogs, strangers approaching, or loud noises. Once you understand the triggers, you can develop a targeted plan to address the issue.
2. Desensitize Your Sheltie to Triggers:
Desensitization is a gradual process that involves exposing your Sheltie to their triggers at a comfortable distance, allowing them to become more accustomed to the stimulus without reacting. Over time, you can slowly decrease the distance between your dog and the trigger, always rewarding calm behavior. This process helps your dog become less reactive to the trigger, ultimately reducing their barking.
3. Use Counter-Conditioning with Your Sheltie:
Counter-conditioning is another technique that can help change your Sheltie’s emotional response to a trigger. By pairing the trigger with something positive, such as treats or toys, your dog can begin to associate the stimulus with a positive experience rather than fear or anxiety. Over time, this can reduce your dog’s reactive barking.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement with Your Sheltie:
Reward your Sheltie for remaining calm and quiet in situations where they would typically react with barking. Consistently offer praise, treats, or affection when your dog displays appropriate behavior in response to their triggers. This positive reinforcement helps your dog learn that there are better ways to cope with their triggers than barking.
5. Teach Your Sheltie the “Quiet” Command:
Train your Sheltie to understand and respond to the “quiet” command. When your dog starts barking in response to a trigger, calmly say “quiet” and wait for them to stop. As soon as they are silent, immediately praise and reward them. Repeat this process consistently until your dog associates the command with the desired behavior.
Related: What online dog training program does iHeartDogs recommend for reactive barking?
6. Redirect Your Sheltie’s Attention:
When your Sheltie begins to bark reactively, try redirecting their attention to a more productive activity. Offer a favorite toy, initiate a training session, or engage in play to refocus their energy. This helps your dog learn that there are alternative ways to react to stimuli, rather than barking.
7. Provide Adequate Exercise and Mental Stimulation for Your Sheltie:
A well-exercised and mentally stimulated Sheltie is less likely to engage in reactive barking. Ensure your dog receives enough physical activity and mental stimulation daily through walks, play sessions, and interactive toys. This can help reduce pent-up energy and frustration, which can contribute to reactive barking.
8. Create a Calm Environment for Your Sheltie:
A chaotic or noisy environment can exacerbate your Sheltie’s reactive barking. Create a calm and quiet space for your pet, with a comfortable bed and designated area for their toys. Use calming scents, like lavender or chamomile, and soothing sounds, such as classical music or white noise, to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
9. Manage Your Sheltie’s Environment:
While you work on addressing your Sheltie’s reactive barking, consider managing their environment to limit exposure to triggers. This may involve using window films to obscure your dog’s view of passersby, creating a designated “safe space” for your dog to retreat to, or using baby gates to restrict access to areas with high trigger exposure. Managing your dog’s environment can help reduce their reactive barking while you work on implementing other strategies.
10. Try an Online Dog Reactivity Training Course
If your Sheltie’s reactive barking continues despite your efforts, consider consulting with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
2 online dog training programs we like are:
1. SpiritDog’s “Tacking Reactivity” Course
The SpiritDog Tackling Reactivity Course is an online training program designed to help dog owners address their dog’s reactive barking without the need for expensive in-person training. The course aims to help owners understand their dog’s triggers and teaches techniques to calm and accommodate reactive dogs. Developed by experienced dog trainer Steffi Trott, the program offers video lessons, instructional PDFs, quizzes, and access to trainers for support.
2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”
More than just an obedience course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.
10 Reasons Why a Sheltie Might Be Reactive Barking
- Territorial behavior: Shelties may bark at strangers or other animals that approach their property.
- Separation anxiety: When left alone, Shelties may become anxious and bark excessively.
- Fear: Shelties may bark in response to situations or objects that make them feel afraid or threatened.
- Lack of socialization: If a Sheltie is not exposed to a variety of people and animals, they may develop fear or anxiety and bark excessively.
- Attention-seeking behavior: Shelties may bark to get attention from their owners.
- Playfulness: Shelties may bark when they are playing or excited.
- Frustration: If a Sheltie is unable to engage in a desired behavior, it may bark out of frustration.
- Health issues: Certain health conditions, such as hearing loss or pain, may cause a Sheltie to bark excessively.
- Lack of exercise: Shelties are an active breed and may bark excessively if they do not receive enough exercise.
- Genetics: Some Shelties may be predisposed to excessive barking due to their genetic makeup.
In conclusion, Shelties, like many other dog breeds, can be prone to reactive barking. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior is crucial in addressing the issue. Whether it’s due to fear, anxiety, territorial behavior, or simply lack of training, there are various strategies that can help prevent or reduce reactive barking in Shelties. These strategies can include positive reinforcement training, providing adequate exercise and mental stimulation, socialization, desensitization, and counter-conditioning, among others. It’s important to remember that every dog is unique, and what works for one Sheltie may not work for another. Therefore, patience, consistency, and a willingness to adapt to individual needs are key in successfully curbing reactive barking in Shelties.
NEXT UP: Can an Online Training Course Help Stop My Sheltie’s Barking?
Toledo, United States.
