barking

my 9 month old puppy all of a sudden started barking - new problem! mostly is when someone is at the door. she only started the last 4 days. at first it was only at night when the security guard passes by but i noticed yesterday she started to bark when our helper returns from grocery shopping. once she knows it is the helper she stopped barking.

we are at a loss as to how she learned this and more importantly what to do because we are not getting any sleep.

any effective ideas?

Your dog learned to bark, with respect, because she is a dog!


A dog barking at people coming near/at the door should be a good thing - you have a watchdog who is doing a great job (my puppy started such behaviour around that time, and I am very pleased with the good job he does, he gets rewarded for this), especially given the barking stops when the dog realises it is your maid and assuming limited barking at other times.


But you say you are getting no sleep, so it appears the barking extends much much further. I assume you have tried at night keep the dog away from front door (keep in bedroom / kitchen /bathroom - realising that summer is impossibly hot so a long term solution is best to be found).


You can alternatively try a trainer to help with nip this in the bud early if excessive (others might have suggestions or talk to your vet for suggestions).


The web is full of suggestions. For example, I assume you are walking the dog the appropriate amount for her breed, and she is well socialised, and you spend daily time with her etc. Maybe look at Cesar Milan's site.

Im a dog owner, dogs are very territorial and barking is normal, so you should be glad your dog is barking


Is the dog getting enough excercise ? Dogs need to be tired - they need a lot of excercise, depending on the breed, to release frustration / bordom. Tire him / her out and you will be amazed with the results


A chew bone at nigt will definately help