About Jessica Rhae
Jessica lives and breathes everything Dachshund, hiking and camping with dogs, and blogging. Given her cumulative 25 years of owning Dachshunds, studying the breed, and organizing an 800-member Dachshund club, she's considered a breed expert by many. Jessica's dogs have been her best hiking and camping buddies for the last 16 years. She started this blog in 2010 to share what she knows. She's since won several industry awards and become one of the premier blogging experts in the pet industry.
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Bonnie MacAllister says
I really love your column and thanks for the information. I’m a first time docs an owner I have a little boy 2 1/2 years old he’s totally paper train he lets me know when he hast to go to the bathroom if he’s in the car he’s wonderful except he’s a barking freak I’m in an apartment complex and people are really frustrated with the fact that he barks all the time should I get a bark collar when he goes outside and then take it off of him when he’s inside? I don’t want to hurt him but I am having a problem with my neighbors. Please let me know what to do. Thanks
Jessica Rhae says
Hi Bonnie. Dachshunds are a breed that is notorious for barking. However, I understand your frustration. I don’t mind if mine bark to alert me of something but I try to discourage them barking a lot just because they feel like it. I also understand it can be a real issue if it annoys neighbors. Bark collars are very controversial but I think they are ok as a last resort IF they are used properly. Ideally, you can find a dog trainer that would be willing to teach you how to properly use one to curb his barking. That can be a challenge though, depending on where you live. A bark collar is considered punishment-based training (vs. positive reinforcement) and most dog trainers only use positive reinforcement nowadays (which MAY work by the way – it certainly doesn’t hurt to try a consult with one to see if they can help). For me, I limit my dog’s time outdoors. They definitely bark less when I am out there to supervise them so I don’t let them out unattended for long periods. I’ve also found that yelling at them to stop doesn’t work. Distracting them by clapping and saying “that’s enough” has worked a lot better, although it is not foolproof. Lastly, you can read this article on my blog about the barking issue: https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/why-wont-my-dachshund-stop-barking/ Maybe it can provide some tips. Good luck.