As much as pet owners can love their dogs, excessive barking can get on anyone's nerves. There's nothing worse than trying to have a phone conversation or watch a TV show at the end of a long day, than to have a dog bark consistently. Fortunately, there are things that can be done to alter this behavior.
Reasons Why Some Dogs Bark so Much
Barking is a way a dog communicates vocally. Just as some people never know when to close their mouths, some dogs are the same way. The first thing to do is to figure out why the dog is barking. Try to find any patterns.
Does the dog bark a lot during playtime or does the dog bark in a way to instigate play? Is the dog the kind who barks when hearing outdoor sounds? When the dog sees other dogs outdoors, does this cause barking? Once the reason for the barking is determined, steps can be taken to resolve the issue.
How to Prevent a Dog From Barking
Sometimes a dog will bark when it isn't getting enough exercise or attention. Try giving the dog more interactive exercise or playtime. However, before beginning, the barking needs to be stopped. Verbally command the dog to be quiet and wait until the barking stops before interaction begins.
Praise the dog when he or she becomes quiet and then begin play or exercise time. Each time the dog begins to bark again, stop and repeat the above. Use this same technique if the dog begins to bark too much while playing. It may take some time to work, but, in the end the dog is being taught positive reinforcement for not barking.
If a dog barks a lot when it sees other dogs, it could mean that the dog isn't socializing enough. Try taking him or her out around people and other dogs more often so he or she can get used to them. Other suggestions include putting the dog in another room where other dogs and people can't be seen through the window or closing the blinds or curtains to obstruct the view.
If the dog tends to bark at outside noises, turn on a radio. Put the volume just loud enough to block out the sounds from outside.
Praising a Dog For Good Behavior
It's important when training a dog not to bark to be sure to give the dog lots of praise when he or she listens. Use verbal praise along with petting or hugging the dog. Most dogs love to please their owners so once the dog experiences the praise and reward for not barking, the excessive barking should begin to stop.
If the above solutions don't work, consider placing the dog into an obedience class. Please keep in mind that some breeds of dogs are prone to barking. Excessive barking can be very annoying. With time and patience, a pet owner should be able to get the dog to learn to stop barking.
Readers may also enjoy Breed of Barkless Dog - the Basenji.
Sources:
- Everybody Can Train their Own Dog, Angela White, (T.F.H. Publications,) 1992
- The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Choosing & Training a Dog, Sarah Hodgson, (Alpha Books,) 1997
Janis Masyk-Jackson - I'm here to seek out the truth about some of life's mysteries. There is nothing new about New Age beliefs. These are beliefs that have ...
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