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My 15 week old schnoodle has started barking for attention with increasing frequency. We do play with her a ton, give her enrichment toys, chews, lick mats etc. She is still 3 weeks off being fully vaccinated so can't go for outside walks yet. She takes frequently naps as well but the barking tends to come in short bursts when we are occupied with other stuff eg cooking dinner and she becomes bored with or finishes whatever chew/toy/etc she had to occupy her.

My question is is it better to ignore the barking completely or redirect somehow? My concern is any form of redirection would involve some kind of play, toy, or treat so it feels like giving in. Therefore I feel like ignoring is the best method but I have read conflicting advice online. I don't want to crate her as a punishment or time out. She is learning to "go to her mat" but still needs treats as encouragement so that also feels like a reward for barking. If we just tough it out and ignore the barking does it stop eventually?

Hi All! I have a 4 month old Spoodle who thinks chasing and ‘attacking’ our cat is a game.

Our cat isn’t super bothered, she occasionally hisses, swipes or just hops the fence, but I am really wanting help with curbing this behaviour.

Our pup thinks it’s play but it’s getting out of hand and I’m finding it hard to control the dog when the car is around and gets riled.

Any suggestions would be amazing! Open to anything.

We have a 10 month old cavalier/poodle cross. With us since 3 months. Crate trained. A generally great puppy and very good and obedient.

Routine for the past few months – around 8pm take her for evening walk, does business, relax on couch from 9 to 9.30 when we tell her “bedtime” she takes herself into her crate, and we go to bed, no issues.

Starting 2-3 weeks ago – she has started barking in the mornings to be let out of her crate.

Usually we get up around 7.30am weekdays, and 8.30am weekends. When she first barked, it was around 8am on a weekend, and we thought maybe she just needs to go outside, no issues.

It’s now happening every morning, and it’s getting earlier.

Last week it was around 7.15am every morning. For a few mornings, I went down to her at 7am before she barked hoping it would stop the habit. But this weekend, she started barking at 6.45am both mornings.

All advice appreciated, thank you!