Here Ya go Nora....for the past week or so Smokey has been barking a lot. We don't mind when he barks to alert us of something but once he starts he won't stop. Here is the trigger......In the morning when Bandit and Smokey are lying on the bed, Bandit may make a "humph" type sound while looking out the window. It could be anything walking past the house. That is all he does and it sets Smokey off. He just stands there and barks and barks even looking at the wall. I calm him down then he starts this "humph" sound. I read somewhere that putting pebbles in a plastic bottle and shaking it could stop this problem. I do realize that Ratties by nature are very alert and if this is just something we have to deal with, then we will. Would you suggest the bottle thing or something else or are we just wasting our time.

Thanks. 

Didn't hear about that. Just give them a quick squirt like in the face?

yup, regular plastic spray bottle filled with tap water. Calmly say No bark and give a spritz.

edited to say- I would try Nora's positive reinforcement method from above first.

OK got it. I love this site! Answers immediately.

Bill

PS Could this work with Jeannie when she barks at me??? Hmmmmm

Bill - I have tried the squirt bottle method with my Bill when he barks...to no avail! 

Hey Tracey - Don't try which - the squirt bottle or the treats??? LOL

You got that right! Problem is she squirts me with cold water every time I roll over.............LOL...'nough said!

I use water pistols at my vet's recommendation. I bought a six-pack of 'em at Wal-Mart & keep them all around the house so the squirt comes "while they're barking"or they won't make the correction connection.