Some pet owners must deal with a dog that barks excessively. This is not only a problem for the pet owner, but for the neighbors as well. If you do not want your neighbors to report your barking dog to the authorities it is important that you work to bring the behavior under control.
The Reason for the Barking
The first step when trying to stop dog barking is to determine the reason for the excessive barking. Does your dog only bark when seeing another dog? Does he bark non-stop when he wants to come in the house? Does he bark when he wants attention or some play time with you?
Of course, all dogs bark. Some breeds bark more than others. You cannot eliminate all barking, but you can work to reduce constant barking. Some reasons that dogs bark include to provide a warning, because they are bored and/or want some attention or because they are afraid.
If you can figure out the reason for the barking, it will be much easier to work on a solution.
Are You Part of the Problem?
When a dog barks excessively, most pet owners just want one thing: for the barking to stop. If the dog’s barking is quieted a by a treat, being let outside or a little playtime, many pet owners are more than happy to oblige.
The problem is that you are enforcing the barking behavior. If the dog barks and you pay attention to him or her, he learns that barking is a great way to get your attention. If the dog barks and he gets let outside or gets a treat, he learns that barking is an effective way to get what he wants.
By doing that you are enforcing the behavior. If the dog is barking for attention, you must ignore the dog until he quiets down. Use your command for “quiet” and then wait until the dog stops barking. When he is quiet THEN lavish him with attention.
The same goes for being let outside. Do not let the dog out when he barks. If you want an aural cue when the dog needs to go out, consider hanging some bells from the doorknob. Anytime the dog wants to go out, jingle the bells before letting him or her outside. The dog will learn that the jingling bells, not the barking, are the best way to be let outside.
Fight Boredom
Some dogs bark excessively while the owner is away because they are bored or lonely. Some ways to stop dog barking due to boredom is to provide the dog with toys, make sure that they get enough exercise and try not to leave them alone for very long periods of time.
Some toys, such as Kongs that can be filled with peanut butter or other treats, provide a wonderful distraction and will keep the dog too busy to bark.
If you work very long hours, consider having someone come over in the middle of the day to walk the dog and play with him or her for a short time.
Get Help
Some pet owners take drastic measures such as shock collars, medicating the dog and even having debarking surgery performed on their pet. Instead of such drastic, and sometimes cruel methods, try enlisting the help of a professional dog trainer.
A quality dog trainer will be able to isolate the exact reasons for your dog’s excessive barking. He or she can then develop a plan that is tailored to your pet.
It is important to stop dog barking, but with a little patience, this behavior can be corrected and you can then enjoy your very well-behaved pooch AND your happy neighbors.
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