My dog suddenly has started barking at night
I know this seems weird, but my dog suddenly has started barking at night, looking at the sky and jumping as if she is after something! I have gone outside, and she still acts like something is there. Nothing is there except stars. She does not howl or just bark to call to another dog- -she continues to bark as if something is there. It has started to become more regular and happens only at night.
Although you may not be aware of it, I’d be willing to bet something is (or was) there. No, not aliens! Possibly an airplane passing overhead caught your dog’s attention, or maybe flying insects or even bats. I doubt your dog actually is appreciating astronomy and barking at stars, but stranger things have happened. Something has caught her attention and is causing her to feel frustration or concern. If whatever "it" is comes and goes, she may have concluded her barks are what caused it to leave; her perceived success could be reinforcing her to repeat the behavior. She obviously is alarmed by something. When she barks, say "Who’s out there?" and then praise her. When she pauses, even if it is just to catch her breath, say "Quiet! Good girl!" and offer her something she will want to take into her mouth, such as a toy or favorite bone. It is hard to bark when your mouth is full! If she won’t take any positive reinforcers in her mouth, or if she does but then drops it and starts to bark again, repeat the same pattern, naming each of her behaviors with a command that fits what she is doing. In this beginning stage, if she barks and you say "quiet," you actually will be designating the word "quiet" as a prompt for barking in the dog’s mind! Besides, you’ll just sound like you are barking along with her. She may assume your angry tone is intended for the "thing" she also is barking at!
Once you have done some solid conditioning, associating the words to her behaviors, you can reverse the process and use the words as prompts or cues (commands). Now when you take her out, say "Quiet" as she begins to bark. She will stop and be unlikely to restart because she is less concerned; you’ve taken control, acknowledged and investigated the situation, and you have reassured her there is nothing to worry about. On the other hand, if you see little green men or unidentified flying objects, say "Who’s out there!" and don’t wait for an answer--run!
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