[Carmel]

Hi there,

I am the owner of a 1 1/2 year old Alaskan Malamute/Husky. Recently, she has been developing behavioural problems that I am having a hard time understanding, never mind correcting. Her breed is not known for being barkers. Up until about a month ago the occasions when she would bark were few and far between. However, lately she barks at neighbours, other dogs, or just for no apparent reason. I have tried the ignore-it tactic, to no avail. I have also tried giving her a "time-out" by isolating her in a room. Still no luck. Any ideas as to why she could be barking and possible ways to get her to stop?

Secondly, she has become very demanding of me as of late. I take her for long hour+ walks and run her off-leash on trails and parks. It seems like the more exercise I give her, the more restless she becomes. I went through basic dog training with her when I first got her and have continued to work with her. Up until recently, she reacted very well to our training sessions and was quick to obey my commands. Lately she has been rather rebellious. Running out into traffic, not coming when I call her, escaping her fence, barking, etc.

I thought perhaps that she is suffering from loneliness and lack of attention. So I have increased the time we spend together exercising, training, socializing... but to no avail. This is definitely a case of "I wish I knew what was going on in her doggie head!"

If anyone has any comments, suggestions, has been in a similar situation... any feedback or opinions would be greatly appreciated at this point! I can not think of what else to do with her. Please help!

[cougarfan06]

Dogs don't know the concept of "time outs" which is why that is not working. What kind of barking is she doing? Is she alarm barking or is it the territorial aggressive barking? Alaskans/Huskeys do need a lot of exercise which you are trying to do I see. They aren't aggressive dogs either from what I have heard and read.

My advice would be is when she barks is to correct her right away and out her leash on and tug on the leash when she barks. If she looks at you, praise. Try this several times. Remember to catch her in the act of barking, not after she has stopped. Reward when she does not bark.

[shelley023]

You must have snow if you live in Canada. Have you tried dog sledding. It's a great exercise and restful for you if you want to sit in the sled. She would get double or more exercise this way. Since she is still young, you would have to start off with very easy runs and not letting her get overexercised, but they soon get a taste for it and love it. Other than that you could try the silent sonic sound gadget that you can press whenever she barks, only she can hear it and thinks the barking brought it on. Carry it on you at all times and don't let her see you use it.

[Carmel]

Your suggestions were greatly appreciated. However, after doing a little research and trying a few different possibilities I believe I have found the cause of her misbehaviour. My routine as of late has been somewhat lacking. My walking/quality time with Sasha has been quite irregular due to a few big changes in my life. Over the past 3 days I have been trying to maintain a more fixed timeline and it seems to be working. Today was the first day in a month that she had her regular temperament. My commands were obeyed and she seems more at ease.

I am starting a new job on Monday. With a new job comes a more fixed schedule and a daily routine. I think Sasha was as much in need of this new job as I was! Dogs are definitely creatures of habit!