As we all know when a dog barks problems can arise. First we should try and find out what is triggering their excessive barking.
Dogs bark:
- When they are lonely
- When they hear noises such as other dogs
- When their owners come home
- When they have to go out
- Sometimes at absolutely nothing
Remember barking is a normal dog behaviour. What you want to do is not stop the barking but teach your dog the right behaviour.
Puppies that show barking tendencies should not be praised for this behaviour. Attempts to stop the dog from barking in the form of touching or a soothing voice is only having the opposite effect
on the dog.
You are in fact reinforcing this behaviour.
Distractions sometimes work. Make a rattle can, which is usually just an aluminum can with some pennies in it, and then rattle it when the dog barks.
Dogs that bark when left alone may settle down if you leave a radio on low for them. Also when you are going out do not make a big fuss. That way your dog will see this as normal and that there is nothing to get worked up about.
When you first go out, only go for short periods of time and then increase your time out gradually. Again do not make a big fuss when you return.
Try putting your dog in another room by himself for short periods of time. This will also help him get used to being left alone. As he adjusts to this, praise him only for his silence.
Remember all these methods take time and patience. Training does not happen overnight.
There are also bark collars that you can purchase. Some will spray the dog with a harmless solution when the dog barks. Others emit a high pitch noise which will deter the dog from barking.
Remember which ever method you chose patience is the key. A trained dog is much more enjoyable to have around.
“The number one reason dogs end up in shelters is behaviour problems. The number one cause of deaths in dogs under one year of age is not Parvo, it is not Distemper, it is lack of obedience training. ”
Do you see a connection?
Don’t let your dog become one of these statistics!
Until next time
Maureen Brownell
