Bark development? - Page 1

Can a bark be developed and if so how? Or is it something that develops as the dog matures/becomes more confident?

you can develope the bark at the puppy stage....try some suspicion work with a good helper. This should be done at a distance when starting!

Checkshep,

I am going to go the other road here. First. I think most puppies are pups. Just like kids are just kids. It takes some time for the dog to grow up, and act like a warrior.

I would advise at not being suspicious with a puppy. Pups are very aware of thier mortality. I have yet to see these rare super puppies that come out with balls as big as king kongs, ready to take a drive up field. So, when we act suspicious the pup will worry. And a pups primary means of defense is fleeing, finding mama and hiding. Mamas primary defense is a mouth full of teeth and a bark as a warning shots.

There is very, very little to be gained by tapping into a puppies nerve base, and whole lot to be lost. Because if it goes wrong, and the puppy has a negative experience. That could be in his mind forever.

There are no competetions for puppies...only dogs. you have th dogs whole life to train the dog. You have only about one year to put the boogie man in there head.

Also, The acting suspicious thing. The other reason I think to stay away from this. Is the dog being cheerlead. Even if the dog REACTS to the suspicion. It's not going to stick. When the suspicion is gone from the helper.  The dog will go back to normal barking. Now flip that around, you stand still. The dog barks and you all of sudden come a live. Now the puppy's bark has the power to active. The pup is now not reacting to stimulation. But he has become the stimulation.

Agreed with Fat you can be very animated and work in prey and get a dog to bark. Some dogs it takes a lot for them to bark. i personally have two dogs that dont want to bark but then i have a 6 month old female GSD who will bark all day and will bark in prey work . So just evaluate what you have and see what will work. I wouldnt work a pup in defense so soon though

the suspicion work puts no pressure on a pup...because it's done at a distance....say helper at blind six while pup is down other end of field...and the pups enjoy it...making you run back into the blind...but...to each his own. You'd be amazed at what  a pup can teach you:-)
I'd bet I could get your dog to bark by just look and posture.....!

you can be very animated and work in prey and get a dog to bark.

One thing I hate is having a helper act like a total nut to get a dog to bark....when it's so natural through suspicion....oh well..!

 Because if it goes wrong, and the puppy has a negative experience. That could be in his mind forever.

just as poor positive experiences can do the same....be in his mind forever...negative experiences are part of training....poor puppy!

@ judronn55 you have to find out what a pup can handle a defensive dog by breeding doesnt need to have more defense put into it. yes you can use a blind but why not give a pup i repeat PUP animation. I'm pretty sure that several well known Schutzhund trainers will disagree with you  sir.

 I'm pretty sure that several well known Schutzhund trainers will disagree with you....

disagree with me....NAH:-) but, as I said, to each his own:-) for one thing, the dog is going to do a H/B on a stationary individual...why not start that way...secondly...there is no pressure on the pup...I say pup....you are asking for a bark...not to stop a felon...sheesh.
By the way...I've learned from some well known schutzhund trainers...and some of there methods are suspect:-)...

a defensive dog by breeding doesnt need to have more defense put into it.

oh please....the dog is what it is...barking is not defending. Poor puppy!