Dog training how to stop barking is important, before looking for a solution to stop the barking of your dog, you have to understand why it is barking.
Because if a dog barks, it’s never without reason! You will probably have noticed 3 distinct types of barking: barking, screaming and moaning.
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dog training how to stop barking
A dog can bark to welcome, play, party to his owner but also to defend his territory and alert (among others).
A dog can moan when it feels lonely or anxious.
When you are looking for the reason for the barking, you must ask yourself about the place, the frequency, the time, the environment … For example: when does my dog bark?
Does it bark only when it be alone? What triggers its barking?
Dog training how to stop barking: Very often the dog barks because he is bored, because he feels alone, because he is anxious or because he can not channel his energy. The dog can also bark for lack of education: a puppy that barks and that we encourage will continue adult thinking that it is a sign of attention …
A canine behaviorist can help you find the origin of the barking and the source of the problem. You can also ask your veterinarian for advice (sometimes the barking is linked to behavioral problems) …
dog barks in short reasons:
- boredom
- visual or sound external stimuli
- impulsive behavior
- anxiety
- to communicate
dog barking solutions
To stop barking, there are several solutions that must be adapted depending on the reasons that push your dog to adopt this annoying behavior. If your dog is barking in your presence, there is every chance that he will ask for attention: he must first consider devoting more time while doing what is necessary to break this habit.
We can then resort to certain conditioning techniques, or counter-conditioning as appropriate through positive/negative reinforcement: reward the dog when it is silent, and on the contrary, ignore it when it barks. Raising your voice as the dog barks is not a sustainable solution. Finally, keep in mind that it is perfectly normal and natural for a dog to express itself by voice, and better a dog that barks from time to time rather than an animal that depresses in silence because he could come to exteriorize his unease in a more embarrassing way, in particular by destructive behavior: ransacking your apartment, indulging inside … The whole thing is to make him understand the limits, show him what is acceptable and what is not.
- Calming the fears of the dog
This method applies to dogs barking when they are alone at home: this behavior comes from a fear of being abandoned, that you will have to fully take into account in order to correct it.
You can gradually get used to some signs that mean for him that you are going to leave, for example, take your coat, make your bag …
The technique is to make false starts, that is to say, to perform these actions while not leaving home at first; try to put him regularly in the situation, at different times of the day, so that he no longer dreads this particular moment. Speak with a reassuring voice and send him in his place; as soon as he obeys, leave for a short moment, then return to the room rewarding him.
When the dog stops making noise after your departure, gradually increase the time of absence and the distance (go out on the landing, in the street …) and test it by closing a door behind you, while remaining in the room next door. Listen to the dog’s behavior and, if still calm, reward him again after several minutes.
You can also use the radio method: when you return to the room, turn on the radio so that the sound of the radio is associated with your presence.
You will then be able to leave by leaving the radio, this will be enough to reassure some dogs.
- Last resort
If despite all your attempts the barking persists, we can consider the use of an anti-barking collar; know that there are lemongrass necklaces, less violent than electric pulse necklaces.
When he barks, a small dose of lemongrass is released, and it is an odor that dogs generally dislike.
Consult your veterinarian (barking may also be a symptom that the dog is suffering) or a behaviorist before going further.
Dog training: how to stop barking:
What you should do …
You have to show that you too are protecting the group. If he barks at the door or window, go to him without looking at him or talking to him. Stay a few moments staring at the same direction as him – whether you know what triggered his reaction or not – then return to your business.
You indicate to him that, you too, participate in the defense of the clan. Once back in your place, call him, caress him, talk to him to thank him for warning you of the presence of an intruder.
By adopting this attitude, you transform a stressful context into a soothing situation. Quickly, you can settle for the end of the exercise (call and reward) to limit its barking. The results are effective. It is easier with a young dog, but also possible with an older animal.
Inside or outside, when the dog is barking, try to catch his attention. Stand in front of him on his way if he goes back and forth in front of the garden gate; touch him to calm his excitement.
Once the link has been established with him and the tension has subsided, give short orders, without raising the tone. Encourage him to do something else, such as sitting down and rewarding him if he obeys. He will associate your gesture with this action, and not with having stopped barking.
In the house, the dog’s rest area should not be placed in front of exits if you do not want it to be designated as “the only guardian of the place”. Ditto in the garden where he spontaneously ascends guard all over the territory. Prohibit areas that you maintain control over.
Anyway, he will warn you if there is really a danger.
If you want to learn more about dog training how to stop barking, I’d recommend you read The Ultimate Guide On Dealing With Barking