On The Phone GGrrrrrrr

[driver.rio]

Hi Guys

I have a 5 mth old lab. Her only major problem is when ever the phone rings or i use the phone she barks constantly.The only way to keep her quiet is to give her a treat but this cannot keep happening. ANY ideas on conditioning her to accept the phone and not be jealous???
Ta

[glaiza]

Stop giving her treats to stop the barking. That only reinforces the action and chances are that she'll keep doing it. You need to be firm with your dog on this one and convey that barking is not allowed. Only give her a treat when she finally stops barking or when she doesn't bark at all. This may take some training and you may have to ring your own phone several time just so she can be trained to not bark at the ringing. If you feel frustrated or if you feel that you can't do it on your own, try contacting a dog behaviorist.