TASHA - MY "BARKING" MINI POODLE

by MRS BJ HICKEY
(FEDERAL WAY, WA )

We adopted our Tasha in April 2010 when she was one year old. She needed grooming badly and was terrified and very shy of everything. She began by barking at hubby every time he came into the room but loved going on rides with him and walks every day - OK then. It is now Oct 2010 and she still barks at him when he walks into the room but loves him otherwise. She is bonded to me but needs training - she won't come, sit or stay yet. We took her on her first overnight to visit family & their female dogs. Things settled down but the playful large pup my niece had intimidated her and she nipped at her. We stopped trying to get her to accept. We need some advise as to what we can do to help her relax, stop barking and learn commands. I've had Shel ties and Poodles since the 60's and never a problem such as this. They always been social & easy to train. We are moving slow at her pace but it's time for some moving forward training. We've tried the collar that sprays citronella in her face when she barks but now she's used to that.
She is beautiful and very sweet.
Mrs. BJ Hickey