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Excessive Barking: Cairn Terriers

"We have a six-month old cairn terrier who is very strong willed. He barks excessively especially when we have company. He isn't barking to be mean, he seems to just want everyone's attention. We've tried using a spray bottle, shaking a can with coins in it, and putting him in timeout, but none of these techniques seem to stop him from barking. Do you have any other advice?" ~Michael

Hi Michael. Don't you just this lively breed? There is never a dull moment in the household of a Cairn Terrier owner. ;)

First let me say that all of the dog training techniques you have tried to stop your Cairn Terrier puppy from barking may not be considered positive dog training techniques. Although I can certainly understand why you have tried each of them. I had tried them myself before I found the magic of positive dog training.

I am quite sure your Cairn isn't barking to be mean. Generally a dog that barks excessively means the dog needs more socialization with humans or the outside world, or simply that the dog is bored. I know that sounds odd, but dogs are smart creatures and although the Cairn Terrier breed is small, they are very intelligent and a very social breed.

Cairn Terriers love people and they love to be part of the family activites. They want to feel like they are part of the pack. I'd suggest first easing your Cairn puppy into your social events with your friends and family. Just for a little while won't hurt. I expect you might just see significant behavioral changes in your Cairn pup. I'd also suggest rewarding your puppy for not barking when he might ordinarly do so. A reward can be anything your puppy wants or likes such as treats, praise, playing a game of tag or fetch with you, learning a new trick (I recommend clicker training), a non-routine walk, etc. A reward is anything that makes your puppy feel like he's being rewarded and it should come at a time so he knows exactly what he is being rewarded for.

Positive dog training techniques will work far quicker and last far longer than the old fashioned dog training techniques that most of us are accustomed. Clicker training worked very well with my Cairns, although Molly picked it much faster because I simply worked with her more. Cairns love to learn and this is especially true when they are puppies under the age of one year.

Your Cairn Terrier puppy is at that age I call the puppy "sponge-dog age". He is learning new things all the time, good and bad. He is learning when you least expect it and soaking up everything around him. A few months of teaching him what is acceptable to live with you in your world now will be worth it for the next 10+ years he will be living with you in harmony.

The best clicker training source I found is Karen Pryor's Clicker Training book. When I purchased my book, she sent me a free clicker. You can ask her for one; it won't hurt to ask.

Let me know how it works out for you, Michael. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me. I generally love to help pet owners of the Cairn Terrier breed. My Cairns bring me so much joy as I'm sure your little pup will too.

My other Related Articles you might find helpful:

• Clicker Training a Cairn Terrier
• Clicker Training DVD Videos