How to Stop your Dog from Barking

A key component in training your dog to bark less is understanding the reasons for the barking. Over time you will learn to understand what your dog is trying to communicate through barking. There will be times when you will wecome your dog barking, for example when something is amiss or your dog needs to go out. Remember, some barking is good!. Neighbours with barking dogs are annoying and it is up to you to train your dog about barking behaviour. You are in control and your dog will look to you for instruction about when to and when not to bark.

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Perhaps your dog is bored or lonely?

The number 1 cause of uncontrolled barking is a dog who is feeling anxious and lonely. Does your dog spend the largest part of every day alone? Your dog will need plenty (1-1.5 hours), of exercise to compensate for that. Try and fit in a long walk before or after work. Look around for a hired dog walker, if this is too difficult. Your dog will appreciate this attention. A host of dog toys are available from pet shops etc, to try when you are away from home. Dogs love balls and perhaps you could even leave your dog a bone to chew on. If you rotate your dogs toys you can be sure your dog will not tire of them.

Barking is commonly attributed to dogs who spend too much time alone. Dogs need lots of interaction, attention and communication as is the nature of a social animal. It is important that you spend a lot of time playing with your dog and showing it affection. Dogs thrive on this. Find activities that include your dog, when at home. Dogs who are loved are happy. A dog that has its other needs met is also less likely to display other inappropriate behaviors and you won’t need to Stop Your Dog Digging.

Is your dog feeling playful?

If your dog is barking so that you will play with it, do not give in to this demand. Reinforcing a bad habit will be the result, if you do. Mutual respect is key to your relationship with your dog and harassing you in this way demonstrates lack of respect. Ignore this type of behavior if you want your dog to stop demanding your attention in this way. An effective way to do this is to turn your back to your dog, without responding and move away. This is likely to confuse your dog to start with. Since the barking behavior has worked in the past your dog may thinking that if it barks for just a little longer you will give in. Do not give in! Be firm. You will probably have to endure worse barking before the barking improves. When your dog has realized the barking isn’t working remember to praise it. Your dogs wants to please you so you’ll need to use positive reinforcement. Re learning this barking behaviour will only take a short time, if you are consistent.

Being consistent is very important in all aspects of dog training. Pack animals such as dogs are most at ease and well behaved when they understand the pecking order. Your leadership is necessary for your dog to respect you and become well adjusted, well behaved and happy. A dog does not necessarily have to be quiet to be well behaved. Your dog will learn from your clear instruction about the right times to bark.

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