Barking mad?!

[Shelbie]

Been meaning to ask this for ages - if anyone knows, my friends on the board will...Shelbie's started getting really too excited when there's a knock on the door. Our living room is on the first floor and she can't get down the stairs so she can't get to the front door but whenever there's a knock she goes loopy-loop and its almost like she's preventing us getting downstairs. I don't want her to stop completely but it would be nice to train her to stop on command. I've tried "thank you sweetheart, we know" in a calm voice and even bribery with a favourite biscuit but nothing. Any ideas?<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm35.gif" border=0>

[Oscar's Mom]

You could try working on the Quiet command with her. In obedience class they taught us to use a spay bottle with water and add vinegar as needed, you squirt it in the mouth and say quiet. It does work very well, but you have to be consistent with it. Oscar only needs to see the bottle now. Also, try to use a firmer voice with her, she may be misunderstanding you by the tone of your voice that you like what she is doing.

[LisaH]

Oscar's Mom, I just noticed you typed "spay bottle"! By golly, that'll stop her! <IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm42.gif" border=0>

[Shelbie]

<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm31.gif" border=0> Nooo, Mum, I'll be good, pwease don't use the spay bottle!!!! Anyway, Oscar's Mum, I shall certainly try your advice. By the way, incase you think I'm a complete wimp, the talking quietly method was opposed to my other method of yelling "Shelbie, be quiet"<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm41.gif" border=0>

[Oscar's Mom]

'spay bottle' that is funny...what threat that would be!!!
I dont think your a wimp Shelbies Mum! I often forget about the tone of my voice when I want to correct Oscar, I have to keep reminding my self. In obedience class they said that when women yell it is often too high pitch and dogs misunderstand.

[Penny's Aunt]

LOTS of people would love to buy your "spay bottle", & you could make a fortune! Of course, you would be the enemy of every vet in America.

[wireweiners]

I'd like to have a spay bottle to use on some of my human clients. Do you thing we could get a neuter bottle too?

[Oscar's Mom]

This is too funny! Too bad there isnt such a thing, huh?