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?
submitted by /u/tamboi8
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