Barking is a natural way of communication for dogs. However, many pet owners can relate to the frustration associated with their dog’s excessive barking.
Some of the most common reasons why dogs bark include establishing their territory, seeking attention, and a variety of feelings, such as excitement, anxiety, fearfulness, and even boredom or loneliness.
Understanding the underlying reason for your dog’s barking is the first step in changing this unwanted behavior. The following tips will help you curb excessive barking:
Teach the “quiet” command
Getting your dog to respond to verbal cues such as “speak” and “quiet” can be very helpful in order to stop excessive barking.
Begin by working with the “speak” command. Say speak, then wait for your dog to bark a few times in succession. If you dog seems confused, put him or her in a situation where your dog will most likely bark, and then use the word “speak” during the action. Offer a treat to stop the barking and don’t give it to your dog unless the barking has stopped completely. Offer praise and rewards readily.
Once you have established and mastered this command, begin to work on the “quiet” command. When your dog starts barking wait patiently until he or she finishes, then calmly use the word “quiet”. Then offer praise and a reward. Once your dog is effectively following the verbal commands with treats you can start using the commands without a treat every single time.
Be consistent and enlist the help of other individuals to use the commands when they come to your home.
Remove the inciting cause
Many dog owners report frustration when their dog barks at the window whenever a person or another dog walks by outside. Many dogs also show their protective and curious nature by barking inside the house when the doorbell rings.
Begin by keeping the shades or curtains closed to prevent stimuli from the outside. You can also play a radio or the television to create noise within the house as a distraction for your dog. This extra noise in the household may be enough to block the outside stimuli that is triggering your dog’s desire to bark.
If a ringing doorbell or a knock at the door leads to a fury of barking and excitement, then try desensitizing your dog to these behaviors. Some individuals may appreciate this reaction to thwart off unwanted intruders, but if this is a behavior that is both irritating and frustrating to you then have a friend volunteer to come by and knock at the door or ring the doorbell.
Establish a location in your house that your dog must sit or stay in before you go answer the door. You can also use the “quiet” command in these cases. Reward and praise your dog for staying in their designated area and for being quiet. Do not answer the door until you have established control over the situation. Have your friend repeat this training procedure with you over the next several days or weeks until your dog has learned this new behavior.
Redirect your dog’s attention
Learning to redirect your barking dog’s attention to a different activity is another helpful technique. First, identify what usually triggers your dog’s excessive vocalizations. This may involve meal times, voices outside the house, high pitched noises in the house or a stranger entering the household. Next find an effective distraction that will draw your dog’s attention away.
Each dog is different, and some will respond to a certain favorite toy, while others will respond to treats or to invitations to go outside.
Another idea is to use a high pitched or irritating sound. You can use a clicker, a can filled with coins, a whistle or even a beanbag. The key is to break your dog’s attention away from the present situation and refocus his or her mind on something else.
Reduce energy levels
Excessive barking can be secondary to a bored and anxious state of mind. Most dogs require exercise to reduce this physical or mental imbalance.
Depending on the age, breed and health of your dog a long walk, run or a game of fetch may help to make your dog more content and tired. This will lessen anxious and bored barking.
Offering your canine companion interactive or food-dispensing toys whenever you have to leave the house is also a very good idea.
Use bark collars
There are different types of bark collars in the market that are used to discourage this behavior.
Some of these collars emit a high-pitched noise, while others use of blast of air or citronella that sprays the dog in the face when vibrations in the dog’s vocal cords are detected. The smell of citronella is generally unpleasant to most dogs, and over time they learn to avoid it by not barking.
Electric collars have also been used in the past, but many individuals felt these collars were inhumane and not as effective as other methods. Additionally, some studies have shown evidence that the electric current from shock collars contributed to increased aggression, stress and anxiety. Therefore, it is always best to speak with your veterinarian or trainer before choosing a bark collar.
A dog’s bark is an expressive part of their personality and, as a pet owner, understanding this vocal communication is critical. Once you have established the underlying reasons for your dog’s barking, especially if it is excessive, you can begin to modify this behavior. Be patient and consistent with your training efforts, and keep in mind that your veterinarian or a dog trainer may be able to offer you effective tips or techniques to help you stop this unwanted behavior.