Yes, my dog was in serious need of dog training. How did I stop my dog barking when I wasnt home? Yes, I tried all sorts of things - but just to let you know that I had the most success was with a KONG. Strange name - but basically it is a special shaped dog toy, very strong durable rubber with a hollow centre. You fill it up with dog treats, special Kong stuffing (in a spray can), freeze some beef stock (like a big icypole). My dog (Bayley) is too busy trying to get out his doggy treats out to bark. A couple of Bayleys favorite Kong stuffings are : peanut butter, liver paste or bits of liver (some sticking out) frozen in beef stock, cream cheese, even some canned food will do the trick if you dont have anything else & dinner scraps. Heres a tip I read in one on my dog training books - make it easy for your dog to remove the Kong stuffing at first - they get the reward quicker and learn. Then make it harder (keeps your dog busier longer) by packing the stuffing tighter. If you do want to use beef stock (or other liquid) and freeze - find a cup the right size and freeze Kong in that. Im teaching Bayley to do some dog tricks now. So far, we have managed sit, stay and drop. If you are looking for great dog tips and/or a good dog training ebook - I recommend these two Dog Training books:
Sit Stay Fetch (my dog Bayley looks very much like the Golden Retriever in the very first photo ... and the second book is Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer .
