Hi,
We have two purebred staffords, a girl who is 8 years old and a 10 month old boy we recently bought from an interstate breeder about 4 weeks ago. He knows how to sit, come to me on recall (most of the time) and is generally well mannered. He pulls on the lead a bit but I have a front clip harness to help with that. he is entire but we plan to de-sex him when he turns one.
The only negative so far has been his barking. i have always owned Staffs and they have all been mostly very quiet, apart from the usual Staffy talking.
Bruno loves to bark. I have three kids under 6, all boys and they love Bruno. The annoying thing is when we are all outside and the kids are on the tramp or just running around as kids do, Bruno starts to bark non-stop at the kids jumping on the trampoline and also sometimes when they are running around. This only happens outside. Inside he is the perfect gentleman again.
There is no growling, teeth baring or raised hackles. I wouldn't say he is scared of the kids as they pat him and scratch him under the chin all the time and he gives them smoochy kisses
I wonder if he is trying to assert himself or is acting tough to let everyone know that he is around. .
I really would like to sort this out before spring/summer when we will be outside for a good part of the day.
So far I have tried to ignore him but he has more stamina than me. What I do know is to remove him and banish him to the bathroom with the door closed until he calm's down. But once I let him out, he is back out there barking. I don't think he associated the banishment with punishment for his inappropriate barking. Some people have recommended water spray bottles, but i am reluctant to use that on Bruno. Shouting doesn't work. Getting him to come to me whilst he is barking doesn't work also - hence I get the lead to drag him inside.
Is there something else I should be doing? he is a beautiful boy but this unwanted barking must stop.
sorry for the long post and any hell/advice appreciated
