A barking dog can be super disruptive if not understood and dealt with appropriately. If this is a problem you’ve been having, these simple tips from a professional dog trainer will help you mitigate the problem and help you train your dog to only bark when it is supposed to.
First we’ll look at why your dog barks. From there we’ll give you
Understand Why Your Dog is Barking
Let’s take a journey into the mind of your dog. He or she will be naturally protective over you, and barking is a means of communicating both love and fear. Here are four of the most common reasons your dog barks.
1. Irritating Sounds
There are many dogs who hate certain sounds. Remember that a dog has very sensitive hearing, so barking is a way of letting out frustration when these sounds occur.
Sounds like the following will make some dogs bark:
Fireworks (even ones that are far away)
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If these sounds cause your dog to bark, you may want to try and prevent your dog from being exposed to them. But you can also keep some treats on hand whenever these sounds occur and give them to your dog when they do. This will teach your dog to associate pleasure with the sound rather than a sense of alarm.
2. Warning Barks
A common reason for a dog barking is to warn you of perceived danger. Dogs are natural protectors and will always bark if they sense an intruder or some form of danger.
In these cases it’s important to reassure your dog that the danger they perceive is nothing to fear. By simply investigating the situation and telling your dog that there’s no need to bark, you will teach your dog the difference between perceived danger and REAL danger.
3.Frustration
A dog that isn’t being walked often will act out in frustration by barking excessively. They will bark at other dogs being walked past your house because they too want to see what’s going on outside their parameter.
Imagine being cooped up in one small space all day. Dogs are naturally curious and want to explore their surroundings. If they don’t get that opportunity, they will become barkers.
4. Playful Barking
Sometimes dogs bark out of pleasure. If you play with a rumbustious dog it will display its excitement through barking. This is completely natural, so don’t be too hard on him or her if this happens during playtime.
Now let’s look at three training methods to help stop your dog from barking excessively. .
The Tin Can Method
Filling a coffee can with stones and rattling it when your dog barks can become a powerful training tool. The sound it makes is unpleasant to dogs, and will act as a disciplinary tool that stops them while it happens.
Take Your Dog for Regular Walks
Always walk your dog. A daily walk will eliminate frustration and decrease barking brought on by boredom and prolonged confinement.
Discipline
Sometimes a tough hand is necessary. A stern “No!” is in order to show your dog that barking is not necessary at certain times. Remember to exercise positive reinforcement as well when your dog barks for the RIGHT reasons.
[Conclusion]
Remember that your dog should bark. Most of us have dogs at least in part for security reasons. So let your dog warn you with its bark instead of seeing barking as a pastime. We hope these methods will help you do just that.
