A Bit More On Barking
Working out how to stop your dog from barking can be a difficult and time-consuming task.
Dogs love to bark. It’s a perfectly natural thing for your dog to do, just as it’s normal for us humans to speak.
It’s when our dogs bark excessively that it becomes a problem for all concerned – including our cranky neighbors. dog barking problems
Considering this, our goal really isn’t to stop dog barking altogether, but rather to control the excessive barking.
Keep in mind that there are situations when we want our dogs to bark (and I guess there are also times when I like my chatty aunty to speak!;)
The first step in modifying the behavior of an excessive barker is to determine the reason why the dog is barking in the first place. Once you’ve identified this cause or trigger, you can then plan the correct training solution.
Why Do Dogs Bark?
- To express their needs (being bossy).
- Some dogs are bred to bark (some terriers and hounds). stop dogs barking
- They are staking out their territory.
- To alert other members of their pack (that’s you and your family) of impending danger.
- When playing, just through sheer excitement – this is a very common type of puppy barking.
- Barking at other animals.
- Some dogs bark excessively when separated from their pack (you and your family).
- If they are trapped behind some type of barrier like a fence or window.
- Just for fun.
- To express dominance (puppies normally test you out at some stage with a display of dominance barking).
- They bark because their owners have inadvertently rewarded excessive barking in the past (this is crucial to understand)
- Through boredom or a lack of physical and mental stimulation.
- May feel stressed or uncomfortable for some reason. Things like feeling threatened or if they don’t have an appropriate place to sleep can cause excessive barking problems.
- Dogs that haven’t been properly socialized often become nuisance barkers.
Maybe looking for a response or some attention from their pack.
Another thing to keep in mind is that even though it may appear to you that your dog is barking at nothing, this is not necessarily the case. This is due to the fact that your dog has a much more acute sense of hearing, smell and sight than us humans. Your dog’s excessive barking is most probably being triggered by something.
Ways To Stop Your Dog From Barking
Always remember that dogs are social creatures when they are separated from their pack (you) they can become stressed, vulnerable and frustrated. This type of excessive barking is often caused by separation anxiety.
- Firstly I’d say just use your common sense and get these dog ownership basics right. Keep your dog well exercised (physical and mental) and provide fresh water, chewing toys and a nice comfortable place to sleep. You can also try to block your dogs view of the street and other distractions/triggers. Basically, make sure your dog is happy.
- If you know your dog has been barking while you have been away, you must ignore him for a while when you return home. I understand this is difficult for lots of owners, but otherwise, your dog believes that his barking is the reason you came back home to him. Just go about your business for a little while when you arrive home, ignoring your dog. When your dog has settled down, you then initiate contact with him. Please note this method applies to dogs who were barking at the moment you arrived home.
“You Must Convey A Clear & Consistent Message To Your Dog At All Times”
This next technique takes time and patience but can be a very effective way to stop your dog from barking. It’s based on that important rule applicable to all dog training situations. Praise or reward when your dog does something you want to encourage and create a negative association when he does something you don’t like.
Leave the house as you normally would, but just hide somewhere nearby. When your dog starts to bark, spray him with water or throw a tin can full of coins or rocks in his direction (this is the negative association). Try to keep out of your dog’s sight while doing this if possible. Go and hide again, if he is quiet for a while, go in and reward his good behavior with some praise and maybe a treat. This process may need to be repeated over and over until you have broken the excessive barking habit.
The above techniques have proven to be successful with my own dogs, but if they don’t work for you, maybe you could try a Citronella no bark collar. Again this method uses the power of negative association. Every time your dog barks, a fine mist of citronella is sprayed into the air. Most dogs hate the smell, and soon realize if they don’t bark, the smell isn’t there to bother them. *If you have more than one dog this method is not really a suitable solution. I always advocate some proper training before even considering an option such as a citronella no bark collar.
Dog Barks For Attention Or To Demand Something
This is one excessive barking problem that can be corrected very quickly. If you establish yourself as your dog’s leader in the owner-dog relationship you share, this type of barking problem won’t occur. In the process of training, you’ll also form a strong bond together based on trust and mutual respect.
You can also teach your dog the “Stop” or “Quiet” command to help prevent this annoying type of problem barking. When your dog is barking simply say “QUIET!” at the same time as you wave a tasty treat in front of your dog’s nose. After you dog is quiet for a few seconds you can then give him/her the treat. Eventually, you will only need to say “QUIET!”, without the need for a treat.
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Information Source: Dog House, The Paw Video – Veterinary Secrets
