My Australian Shepherd is 5 and a half months old.
He's very pushy and I know that.
When he doesn't get his way he has begun barking at me. He tries to dominate me but NILIF.
What do I do when he barks at me if he doesn't get his way?
Right now I either ignore him or if he doesn't stop barking at me I make him go outside.
I appreciate any help you all can give me.

This is pretty common with puppies. He's basically having a tantrum.


You need to enroll him in some basic obedience training classes. Search around for a reputable trainer and start teaching him what he can and cannot do. This'll teach him that YOU are in charge and NOT HIM. Thus being less pushy You may also try gently placing and holding the nape of his neck and sternly saying, "no". This works well with pups, as a firm voice goes a long way and holding the nape of the neck where there's extra skin doesn't hurt.

I have raised 5 puppies and have never had a one bark at me in defiance. This is the first Aussie pup I've ever had.
We go to Beginner Obedience classes on Monday nights. He does well and gets along with other dogs. So far he sits, lays down, stays and heels on command. He doesn't touch his food until I give the okay. He comes when I call him.
I take him to a great Dog Park on the weekends and he does well there too.
I take him walking every night (heeling some and off leash some) and twice a day on the weekends.
He is an Australian Shepherd. Grabbing them by the scruff of the neck just doesn't work.

Originally Posted by Breeze

I have raised 5 puppies and have never had a one bark at me in defiance.

This does not change the fact that tantrum barking or "defiant barking" is typical puppy behaviour. Consider the litter you raised an unusual blessing.

This is the first Aussie pup I've ever had.
We go to Beginner Obedience classes on Monday nights. He does well and gets along with other dogs. So far he sits, lays down, stays and heels on command. He doesn't touch his food until I give the okay. He comes when I call him. I take him to a great Dog Park on the weekends and he does well there too. I take him walking every night (heeling some and off leash some) and twice a day on the weekends. He is an Australian Shepherd. Grabbing them by the scruff of the neck just doesn't work.

Aussie's are highly intelligent dogs and can become very manipulative. If your pup is being defiant with you he is not seeing you as an authoritive figure. So consistency is key. Continue with what you've been doing and build that rapport and respect needed. Following commands is a start! Just keep working on that relationship. If you google "aussie training" or "australian shepherd training" you'll find some great sites with informative information that may help in dealing with this extremely smart and high energy breed.

Good luck!

Sorry but I just can't figure out why you call it 'dominance' barking. Dogs do what works for them and if barking gets a dog what it wants, then it barks. It's not trying to be the boss, or assume the throne holder status, it just is figuring out how to get what it wants. It's not enough to just ignore the behavior or even stop it somehow, you need to teach the dog a more appropriate behavior that gets it what it wants, and gets you what you want. Pups need to learn self-control and that takes time and training. Most behavior that is defined as 'dominant' is usually just a young, inexperienced, untrained dog, doing what works.

Barking is a dog's way to communicate. Your dog may bark when it greets you. It may bark to tell you it's hungry or thirsty. It might bark to let you know of the presence of a stranger. There are many good reasons why your dog barks. Unfortunately, a dog often barks when he or she is lonely, bored, or when they have pent-up energy to release. This type of communication can be termed as excessive. It can also be annoying to your ears. And maybe to your neighbor's ears as well. The good news is that you can stop excessive dog barking, if you have the know-how.If your dog barks just because he or she is bored, or, just needs some exercise, you can easily remedy that. Take some time to play with your dog and give it the attention it craves to stop excessive barking. Dogs that are tied up outside are especially prone to loneliness and boredom. Give your canine doggy chews to munch on and toys to play with to keep them occupied. You should also bring your dog inside for some interaction with you and your family as often as possible. This will also alleviate loneliness and boredom.

Maybe you should even consider getting a second canine if yours is alone too much. The companionship can be a valuable help to stop excessive dog barking.

I have found that a good solution to this is a squirt bottle believe it or not. When your dog barks squirt him/her with a short shot of water. It works for some but not all dogs. Give it a try.