Barking

[Triki_Riki]

My dog Riki (Russian sheep dog mix) and my puppy Misha (a three month old border collie/whippet cross) play a lot. I think it's absolutely wonderful but the problem is that Misha barks a lot during play with other dogs. I'm worried about our neighbours and the noise sounds terrible (he does it at the park after a polite introduction too). I was wondering if there was someway to train them to play more quietly?

Thanks,
April.

[emmabeth]

I would praise play that is quiet, and put an immediate stop to play that isn't - so make some sound that distracts them (nothign that SCARES them, just makes them look at you) and then redirect them (ask them to come to you and sit for a treat) then send them back to play.

If you interrupt it enough before it gets super barky, they are going to realise that the noise level ends the game, but it will take time - I'd recommend you go round with a bottle of wine or chocolates and explain to your neighbours what you are doing, it always helps

[Triki_Riki]

Thank you for the advice, I'll start doing that immediately

[LeonilCraig]

My dog also barks a lot while playing. It really sounds annoying. Thanks for that advice.