We all have had those dogs that bark too much or we have heard our neighbor’s dogs barking and wish there was a way to instantly stop it. A couple things to understand are that barking is in a dog’s nature and that they bark for a variety of reasons. Whether it is for a good reason or no reason at all or a combination of the two, it’s always a good idea to keep the barking under control and be able to stop your dog from barking when necessary.
Click here for more information on why dogs bark.
To avoid making the problem worse or getting complaints from neighbors, here are some methods of preventing your dog from barking too much.
Tire them out with a long walk or run at the park.
If the dog is barking when it’s at home alone, getting them some exercise and tiring them out before you leave for the day is a crucial preventative measure. When a dog is awake and alert they are more likely to be set off from the slightest noises from outside, causing them to bark. If you tire them out they will be much quieter, best case is they will take a nap and voila no barking!
Teach your dog a word that means no barking, such as “Quiet!”
Use a firm and calm voice to let them know that what they are doing is wrong. When your dog stops barking, reward them with a treat and maybe a “good boy” or “good girl”. Hopefully, they will start to listen and understand you when you tell them “quiet” knowing that there is a reward after.
Block your dog’s view out of a window.
Is there a room that your dog likes to hang out in and look out the window? If so, you’re just asking for your dog to bark at everything it sees or hears. Try shutting the blinds to that window or even shut the door to that room so your dog cannot see what is going on outside, preventing them from barking at outside forces.
Bark collar as a last resort?
There are different types of bark collars that set off interrupters when the dog barks while wearing the collar. Some simply play a noise while others set off electric stimulation between two points on the collar that limit the feeling to that area. These both are very effective methods of helping your dog quiet their barking. Here are some products you might like.
Overall, you want to show your dog that you are the leader and the boss in the relationship. By doing this, you will have more confidence in your ability to control your dog and in turn your dog will have more confidence and trust in you. A relationship built from trust and not fear is key in getting your dog to listen to your commands.
If you’re experiencing further trouble with your barking canine, feel free to contact us with any questions you have or schedule an appointment.
