Barking is a natural behavior of dogs, but too much can be annoying and stressful to both the animal and the humans around.
There are ways to keep your dog from habitually barking unnecessarily, and we’ll talk about them below.
Essential Points to Keep in Mind
But first, there are essential factors an owner must know before working on a dog’s bark:
- Understand that a dog barks may be a result of boredom, anger, or fear. It may also be because it’s attempting to protect its territory, seeking attention, or experiencing separation anxiety.
- Familiarize yourself with the root cause of barking.
- Barking unnecessarily is a behavior that can be corrected. An owner should be consistent in the routine, just like in other dog behavior control training.
- Don’t shout at the dog when it keeps on barking. There’s no use in doing so.
- Never use a muzzle. It will only cause stress to your dog that may lead to severe complications. The same goes for bark collars. Experts do not recommend them.
Ways on How to Get a Dog to Stop Barking
Now that you know some of the reason why dogs bark, how can you manage it?
Get rid of the motivation
There may be a reward your dog gets when it barks. Get rid of it. For instance, do not give your dog treats just to stop it from barking. It will only serve as positive reinforcement.
Ignore the barking
When your dog barks excessively to get attention, ignore it. It doesn’t matter whether it’s doing it for a long time. If it realizes that such behavior won’t get itself a treat or attention, it will eventually stop. When it does, that’s when you give the reward and praise.
Tire your dog out
A tired dog doesn’t have the energy to bark. Allow your dog to play, run, or walk in the yard.
Get your dog accustomed to the trigger
A perfect example of this is keeping your dog from angry or bully barking at another dog. Doing so needs a carefully planned process and, of course, patience.
- Start by allowing your dog to see the other dog from a distance. The space between should be far enough that your dog doesn’t bark at the other dog.
- Feed your dog with treats.
- Decrease the space between and keep on feeding.
- Then, hide the other dog or keep it out of your dog’s site.
- Stop giving treats. This will start a connection between happy things and the other dog in your pet’s brain.
- Show the other dog and being giving treats again.
- Repeat the process until you achieve positive results. You put off the repetition in another day if you feel your dog is overeating treats. You can also use a favorite toy instead.
Seek the help of a certified professional dog trainer
When all other efforts fail, reach out to a professional. He or she will be able to provide valuable training to correct your dog’s barking habit.
Related Posts:
1. Best Dog Training Treats
2. How to Deal with a Growling Dog
3. Animals and Food Motivation
