I do not mind when they have a reason to bark, but sometimes, they just bark to hear themselves and it is that annoying, persistent bark, finally, I am so upset, I am crying. Plus, New Zealand, I am told, is not dog friendly, and I am afraid someone will report me, already, one person that was in the outside Saturday market, a few weeks ago, said how they could hear the barking and how it got to them, geesh, if it is not one thing, it is another.
Well, it is worse, now they bark when the phone rings, the door shuts, or we even talk, this is getting serious. I love them so much, but I can not take all this commotion, especially if I go back home to the states, no place will allow barking dogs. I am at my wits end.
My two bark at the phone and doorbell ringing; sneezing and/or coughing; when I leave the house; the sweeper, either running or I walk past it; when outside the dreaded C A T from next door, etc....in other words they bark a lot. Does it bother me? Yep. Is part of the part barking just "Sheltie"? Yep. I tolerate a lot but when they bark late at night or early in the morning...I do do my best to put a stop to it....I do have neighbors and I would like to continue a friendly relationship with them.
I may be the only person to say this, but I revel in my Shelties' barking! I live in the country, on a hill surrounded by woods. Over the years, I have come to know the "Deer on the property" bark; the "Hawk! Run, chickens!" bark; the "Here comes the UPS man!" bark; the "Look! It's midnight and the full moon is out!" bark; the "Squirrel! (Not really, but if I can get you all to run out the dog door, I can swipe your food.)" bark; the "It's morning and it's time to eat!" bark; and the "Stranger at the door! Be alert! Danger!" bark; and Colonel Underpants' "I know you said it's ok, but I'm still suspicious" woof.
Inside barking is managed by saying "Thank you. That's enough." Usually it quiets them down unless there's someone at the door. Or we'll say, "If you're going to bark, go outside."
Occasionally Layla or Bitsy Boodle will engage in what I call "General purpose barking," but it's rare. I know I'm blessed to live where barking isn't an issue -- and to have the opportunity to learn my Shelties' language.
