My Dog goes crazy at the TV

Posted by goopserv
Mar 19, 2008
My 2.5 year old cavalier x poodle will go crazy at the TV whenever an animal comes on...or even pictures of animals on packaging. Once even Hillary Clinton set him off:eek:
He puts his paws up on the TV cabinet and barks incessantly. He won't listen to commands and if I physically intervene he just tries to go around me.
I have tried:
- Ignoring him, however its too violent and noisy to do this.
- Shaking a can of coins. This will get his attention, but is not enough to stop him. And he'll start again as soon as the can stops.
- Its only when we're home as the TV is off when we're out.
- He also acts like this when a particular van drives past each morning as it rattles.
- I have succeeded in getting him to sit and watch dog shows with treats, but if we break for 5 minutes, he will start all over again.

A bit more background. He does bark at possums, cats and birds he sees through the window, but this is more restrained. He does listen to a sit or down command when he's barking like this.

I do train him and am doing most of the "alpha dog" stuff.
Our only help at the moment is a beeper collar with remote. When we put it on him, he goes much quieter because he associates it to the beeping sound. However we want a permanent solution.

Any help would be great
Posted by Todd
Mar 19, 2008
Hi there and thank you for the question.

Sounds like you have a very energetic and sometimes hilarious companion in your house

I think the best way to deal with the TV issue would be to control when he is allowed to watch.
He has to learn that TV is a privilege and only good quiet relaxed behaviour is tolerated. The best way to do this will be to be sitting at home with the TV on.
Whenver he starts to bark or jump at the TV give him a very loud reprimand like a GRRRR or AHHHHHH and use a water pistol or large blanket to break his attention. AND turn the TV off!!

When he has relaxed and calm turn the TV back on again

If he plays up again do the same as above. You will need to repeat this over and over again till he gets it. This will take time and patience.

I also think it is a good idea to increase the amount of exercise and toys this dog has. As i always say a tired dog won't be an annoying dog.

Good luck and please let me know how things go

Todd