Lucy's barking progress

[CaliTerp07]

A few people were interested in seeing how it worked, so I thought I'd detail the progress with the collar so far.

We tried it for the first time last night. I put it on the lowest setting (the minimal shock, just above vibration), and she barked and didn't seem to notice anything. I upped it one level, same thing. Upped it again, and tightened the collar one notch. The tightening did the trick.

*BARK* *yelp!* *Karen bursts into tears*

We turned the collar back down to the lowest level, but it wasn't necessary. She stopped barking immediately and curled up for the rest of the evening. As my husband says, the yelp was more of a scared factor than a hurt factor--it's the same sound she makes when I accidentally step on her foot and she's fine.

This morning I put it back on her on the lowest level when I went to take a shower. She barked several times over the course of 20 minutes or so, but always only once, and then she'd stop. No yelping, no continuous barking, nothing. She is now curled up with me in the armchair. When something comes by, she breathes heavy and runs over to look, but doesn't bark.

I hate that this is what it took to make the barking stop (or become inhibited), but I'm so grateful that it's working.

I'm still pairing it with treats for not getting over aroused or being called off the windows, but this will maintain the punishment even when I'm not home, which is so much more fair to her.

Thanks to all those who offered suggestions and ideas! I'm optimistic that this is going to solve our problems!

[Panzerotti]

Originally Posted by CaliTerp07

Thanks to all those who offered suggestions and ideas! I'm optimistic that this is going to solve our problems!

Awesome, thanks for the update!

[JessLough]

So glad it seems to be helping

And I'd agree with it being a surprised yelp over anything else

[CharlieDog]

That's excellent! So good to hear. We're getting ready to try this with Ozzy.

[Emily]

I'm glad it's helping! Keeva's had a bark collar on and yiped just like Lucy, and while I didn't cry ( ) I was definitely distraught. But just like Lucy, it was surprise/offense rather than pain, I'm sure.

Now she's upstairs barking at something that's apparently really offensive, and I kind of wish I had the collar with me. *facepalm*

[Whisper]

I'm so glad you seem to be making progress. I have to say I really do admire all the work you did before choosing the collar. Most people would have slapped on the collar as the first option, and you've been so patient with her and worked so hard. Kudos, and I really hope the collar continues to be a success.

[HayleyMarie]

YAY, I am so glad that its working out for you and Lucy

[JulianaEvans]

Excellent!!

So good to hear about it and nice to know that your dog make a good progress..