Dog training tips

Dear Paws Corner: The best dog training tip I have used is how to settle a barking dog. Take an empty can and put 3-4 pennies in it. When your dog (or neighbor’s dog) goes off, shake the can. The first time I tried it on my young terrier I threw it in her direction, not hitting her of course. It worked, and still works today. It’s so nice not having to yell at her. Cheers for now. — Denise B., Campbell River, B.C., Canada

Dear Denise: The “penny can” is indeed an effective training tool. It often “shocks” dogs into silence, and so is really effective for problem barkers. I’m not sure about throwing it — besides the possibility of your terrier suddenly changing direction and heading straight into the path of the can, it’s also out of reach, requiring lots of extra walking and bending and such.

Remember also that the penny can is a type of negative reinforcement. While this type of reinforcement has a place in obedience training, too much of it is never a good thing. Balance the penny-can punishment with a treat or praise reward.

Here’s one way to do this: When your dog starts barking, place your hand over her muzzle or gently hold it shut, saying “Quiet” in a calm, firm voice. When the dog stops barking, give her a treat and praise. The next time, wait for three seconds of silence before giving her a treat. Extend the waiting period gradually. In a few weeks you should only have to say “quiet” for your dog to stop barking.

Allow your dog to bark, yip and frolic a bit every day, preferably when you’re spending time with her. Barking can often be an expression of boredom and frustration, so if you’re challenging her with training or playing a rousing game of fetch, you’re diminishing the amount of barking she’ll do later.

As for the neighbor’s dog? Penny can. Heh-heh.