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Post #10 How to get Maltipoo to stop barking at everything

By The Team
•
12 Aug, 2016
•

A Maltipoo is barking at everything, owner is looking for tips to stop this

Question:

I've recently adopted a 3 year old Maltipoo, Lucy. We have had her for 3 months. Lucy barks at every little noise, especially when she can't see what is making the sound. What's the best way to reduce the amount of barking?

Answer:

This is definitely a common issue, so we're glad that you asked. It does take some time, however you can train a Maltipoo to stop barking at everything. Here are the basics:

1. Socialize and desensitize her to as much as possible. Since she is an adopted dog, we suspect that she did not have much exposure to elements before she found her way to you. When a dog is not used to the world around him, everything is a trigger for barking. Even the most mundane things and noises. The key is to gradually expose your Maltipoo to all sorts of things, people, places, events and objects so that she no longer thinks of everything as special.... or in other words, a valid reason to prompt vocalization. In regard to noises, if possible show her what is making the noise and do exposure her to those triggers in a gradual way (many dogs need training to get used to the vacuum and dishwasher, etc.)

2. Be sure that exercise requirements are being met. It's amazing how wound up and hyper a dog can get without daily exercise. Even missing one walk can cause frustrated behavior. So, be sure to take your Maltipoo for a brisk 20 to 30 minute walk, twice per day.

3. Reassess the vibe of the household. It's easy to not realize how busy/chaotic/ loud a household can be until we step back and look at it as an unbiased party. Blaring TVs, lots of foot traffic and loud animated talk (or arguments) can rile a dog up, even after things calm down. Dogs will be much calmer if the general vibe of the house is calm and relaxed.

4. Make sure your Maltipoo has tools for independent play. Some dogs are just fine lazing around and others can become very bored quite easily, which can lead to behaviors such as barking a lot or chewing things up. Make sure that your Maltipoo's toy collection consists of great toys that actually hold her interest and provide something (treat release, a good chewing texture or interaction (noises or voices) so that he can keep himself busy.

5. Completely ignore barking and strongly praise quiet. A dog will behave in a way that produces the most benefits to him. He will take always choose the route that leads to good things. The key to stopping your Maltipoo from barking all the time, is to teach her that barking gets him absolutely nothing. And we mean nothing. No attention, no interaction, not even any speaking to him or even making eye contact. And, when she stops barking (even if it is just for a few moments as she catches her breath), being quiet produces wonderful things! Immediate pats, praise, a tasty reward and even a new toy now and then.

If these rules are followed, your Maltipoo bark less and for those times that she is barking up a storm, she will catch on that remaining calm and quiet is the action that is in her best interest.

Love, Hugs & Maltipoo Kisses,

The PetMaltipoo Team

Do you have additional suggestions to help train a Maltipoo to stop barking all the time? Or have these tips worked for you? If so, please leave a comment below.