The Rough Collie is one of the most intelligent and communicative breeds of dog. Not only do they excel at traditional forms of communication, such as barking, whining, and howling, but they can also produce a range of interesting and unexpected sounds. From the ‘Chewbacca’ noise to the occasional ‘pig-like’ squeal, these dogs are capable of producing a wide range of vocalizations.
As an owner of a Rough Collie, I’m particularly thankful for the breed’s communicative abilities. I live on a large piece of land which is quite remote, and my Rough Collie is the perfect sentry to alert me when someone approaches – whether it be a delivery person or a visitor. It’s a tremendous help and I wouldn’t be without it. Furthermore, I’ve noticed that Collies will bark to communicate their excitement or intent to interact with people. Even if they bark a lot, they are not aggressive and are actually quite loving and loyal.
However, I’m well aware that this type of communication isn’t for everyone. While I’m grateful for the ability of my Rough Collie to alert me to visitors, it can be quite loud and disruptive, especially in more densely populated areas. If you’re considering getting a Rough Collie, make sure you understand the breed’s vocal capabilities and be prepared for the impact it could have on your neighbours.
If you want to teach your Rough Collie to be quiet, there are a few things you can do.
1. Use positive reinforcement – Reward your dog for being quiet with treats and praise. This will help them to associate being quiet with getting positive attention.
2. Teach your dog a “quiet” command – Spend some time teaching your Rough Collie the “quiet” command. Whenever they bark, say “quiet” in a firm voice and give them a treat when they stop barking.
3. Don’t reward bad behavior – If you yell at your dog or give them attention when they bark, they will think that barking is what you want them to do. Instead, ignore them until they stop barking and then reward them for being quiet.
4. Give them exercise – Rough Collies need plenty of exercises to stay healthy and happy. Make sure to take them out for walks and give them the opportunity to run around and explore. This will help to keep them from barking out of boredom or anxiety.
5. Keep them mentally stimulated – Provide your Rough Collie with plenty of mentally stimulating activities such as puzzle toys and interactive games. This will help to keep them occupied and less likely to bark.
With these tips, you should be able to teach your Rough Collie to be quiet. Just remember to be patient and consistent with your training and be sure to reward them for good behavior. Good luck!
