Rebel, my nova scotia duck tolling retriever is getting bigger, and wiser. It amazes me how smart these dogs are. He has all of our tricks figured out and when he is bored or hasn’t gotten enough exercise, uses his knowledge to his advantage. Our big dilemma now is what to do with his barking. He goes outside and barks at the people building a house in our neighborhood, the runners on the bike trail, and the golfers across the street. He runs to the window and barks at the kids playing in the cul de sac, and if he sees a ball (soccer balls are his favorite) there is no stopping him. He barks at the Schwann’s man, the magazine salesman, and the mail carrier. He isn’t barking to be mean, he is just so excited and friendly and wants to always be in the action.

I have checked out the various types of barking collars. We haven’t bought anything yet, so if you have an opinion or can help me out, please respond to this blog. There is a citronella anti bark collar. According to websites, it is safe, humane, and highly effective. When the dog barks, the collar sprays a light mist of citronella scent in front of his nose. The hissing noise startles the dogs and they don’t like the smell. University studies have shown that the citronella barking collars are twice as effective as shock collars. These are available at local pet stores or on line at fuzzytummy.com. This type is the kind I am leaning towards because I am not sold on the idea of using electrical stimulation, or shock. What do you think? I really need to train him to stop barking, because I know he would be happier if he could be outside interacting with more people. Also, if you have any suggestions to keep him from jumping up on people, let me know.

For more information on the Fargo-Moorhead area, click here.