If you have ever been bothered by a dog that barks constantly, rest assured... there is help. If it's your dog, you will find these 5 steps priceless in helping to stop your dog's excessive barking. If it's your neighbor's dog that barks too much, perhaps you could print this article and offer it to them, politely of course. I'm sure they will appreciate the tips as much as you will.
There is no doubt about it... a dog that barks constantly is annoying! It doesn't matter whether it's your dog or the neighbor's, it drives even the most patient animal lover to tears after a while.
When it comes to barking dogs the first thing to remember is that dogs bark for a reason... always.
This is how they tell you if they're hungry, scared, hurting, cold, or if they want to play, if there is someone at the door, if they're lonely or just plain bored.
You probably know that dogs are intelligent creatures, right? Some dogs learn that by barking, they can make things happen... either you come to them, the mailman leaves, you feed them, you let them in the house or you or one of your neighbors slam a window or yells. The latter may not be pleasant but still, they are some form of action and attention for the dog.
Some of the things a dog barks for should be acceptable; it's a good thing if your dog alerts you to a visitor (or prowler), and if they let you know when they need something.
However, if you are the owner of a dog that barks all too often, there are a few steps you can take to keep your neighbors happy.
Let your dog know when you appreciate them barking to alert you to something (desired barking) by praising and patting them at the time, but instruct them to stop once you have seen to your dog's needs, answered the door or whatever. Follow these 5 steps to teach your dog the 'stop barking' command.
1. Begin the training with a simple command like 'speak' or 'bark', then praise and pat your dog and give them a treat when they bark a couple of times.
2. Now, again tell your dog to 'speak' or 'bark' and then tell them a command that you choose to use when you want them to stop barking -- something like 'enough' or 'that's it'. Use this command as soon as their barking increases and then immediately put a treat into their mouth. Now your dog has no choice but to stop barking while it eats the treat.
3. Repeat that routine a couple of times for practice.
4. Next time your dog barks to let you know there is someone at your door, praise them heartily and then sternly ask them to stop barking using your 'enough' or 'that's it' command (remember to use the same command to avoid confusion). Praise your dog and give them a treat. After doing this for a while -- possibly a few weeks -- your dog will be quiet on command without the use of treats, although continuing with the praise is always a good thing.
5. Remember also to consider whether your dog is barking out of loneliness or boredom, especially while you are not home (check with your neighbors). If this is the case, ensure that your dog is comfortable if outside (water, bed, toys, area out of the wind, sun and rain). Also ensure that they have plenty of activities to keep them occupied. This not only helps prevent barking; it may also stop them chewing and digging. The toys that you can hide treats inside are great -- they often keep a dog occupied for hours.
Excessively barking dogs may require proper training to bring them back on track, but they also need a lot of time, attention and love, so make sure they are getting all of these.
Donna-Marie grew up surrounded by pets on her family's farm and began working as a Wildlife Officer with the National Parks and Wildlife Service when she was just 18. She has since worked as a Mobile Wildlife Education Officer and assisted at veterinary surgeries and animal rescue shelters, all while running a successful business and family (with plenty of pets). To download your free sample chapter of Donna-Marie's new book, "How To Adopt Pets" and for more pet adoption and care tips, visit http://www.HowToAdoptPets.com today. |
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