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All dog’s bark (unless they are a Basenji - and then they yodel!) And whilst barking is a normal, healthy expression of how your pup is feeling, sometimes it can become a problem.
Dogs that bark excessivelycould be evoking emotions of stress, boredom, or simply thinking you really need to know everything that is happening on the street outside!
Being in control of your pooch’s barking is so importantfor a whole host of reasons. Whether it’s your neighbor's newborn trying to sleep, keeping the peace on public transport or just being able to feel like you are a considerate owner.
So here are some top tips to help you understand why your dog is making excessive noise, and how to be in control of that howl, woof or yodel - whatever they like to do!
If your dog likes to alert you to every squirrel, parcel delivery or weather change outside, they could be simply responding to a deep drive they have to work with you.Many dogs were bred to keep watch or guard of their spaces, so switching this off isn’t that easy for them.
Being in control of your pooch’s barking is so importantfor a whole host of reasons. Whether it’s your neighbor's newborn trying to sleep, keeping the peace on public transport or just being able to feel like you are a considerate owner.
So here are some top tips to help you understand why your dog is making excessive noise, and how to be in control of that howl, woof or yodel - whatever they like to do!
If your dog likes to alert you to every squirrel, parcel delivery or weather change outside, they could be simply responding to a deep drive they have to work with you.Many dogs were bred to keep watch or guard of their spaces, so switching this off isn’t that easy for them.
Plus, if they bark to alert you, then get your attention for doing so, then it’s likely to turn into a vicious cycle. Remember - your attention is a reward for a dog, even if you are telling them to be quiet!
So try removing the stimulus, by perhaps keeping your dog in a quieter areaaway from activity to begin with, or closing the curtainsuntil your dog stops reacting. Once they are quiet, you can reward them for settling down.
This one requires you to be able to have some noise for a little while, but can help to break the cycle mentioned above. Especially if you get the sense your dog is barking more for attention than anything else - also known as “demand” barking.
Plus, if they bark to alert you, then get your attention for doing so, then it’s likely to turn into a vicious cycle. Remember - your attention is a reward for a dog, even if you are telling them to be quiet!
So try removing the stimulus, by perhaps keeping your dog in a quieter areaaway from activity to begin with, or closing the curtainsuntil your dog stops reacting. Once they are quiet, you can reward them for settling down.
This one requires you to be able to have some noise for a little while, but can help to break the cycle mentioned above. Especially if you get the sense your dog is barking more for attention than anything else - also known as “demand” barking.
Ignore the barking, withholding eye contact if you can, until the barking stops. In moments of quiet, reward your dog for being quiet. If the barking starts again, withdraw your attention until the barking stops again. Timing is key here,as you can see in this tutorial, and requires you to slowly lengthen the periods of quiet you expect from your dog.
Remember, make it easy for them to succeed and don’t rush the process. Learning that you want quiet is a big cognitive leap for a trigger-happy barker to make.
If your dog seems to be fearful or stressed by a barking trigger, your best bet might be to try some desensitization.
As an example, if it’s other dogs they usually bark at, ask a friend with a fellow pooch to help. Have them walk at a distance that allows your dog to see their dog without reacting. Reward your dog for periods of quiet, or for offering you their attention. Slowly, usually over a few sessions, you can start to close this gap between the dogs. Work on rewarding your pup consistently for either ignoring the other dog, or staying quiet as they approach.
Ignore the barking, withholding eye contact if you can, until the barking stops. In moments of quiet, reward your dog for being quiet. If the barking starts again, withdraw your attention until the barking stops again. Timing is key here,as you can see in this tutorial, and requires you to slowly lengthen the periods of quiet you expect from your dog.
Remember, make it easy for them to succeed and don’t rush the process. Learning that you want quiet is a big cognitive leap for a trigger-happy barker to make.
If your dog seems to be fearful or stressed by a barking trigger, your best bet might be to try some desensitization.
As an example, if it’s other dogs they usually bark at, ask a friend with a fellow pooch to help. Have them walk at a distance that allows your dog to see their dog without reacting. Reward your dog for periods of quiet, or for offering you their attention. Slowly, usually over a few sessions, you can start to close this gap between the dogs. Work on rewarding your pup consistently for either ignoring the other dog, or staying quiet as they approach.
If done gently and carefully, this process means your pup will begin to become desensitized to the stimulus, whatever it is, and begin to associate it with the positive feeling of getting treats. This can help to reduce a dog's reactivity, and therefore their barking.
If you need a quick result (in a public place, or late at night for example) try simply distracting your dog with a treat and a command.Distracting them in this manner can redirect your dog to something positive, or a more desired behavior. Try taking their favorite toy with you and be sure that the distraction involves some kind of reward - basically, you have to offer some incentive for them to focus on you!
Another option is to use an ultrasonic bark device like TrueBark™, which acts as an instant interrupter to your dog.
If done gently and carefully, this process means your pup will begin to become desensitized to the stimulus, whatever it is, and begin to associate it with the positive feeling of getting treats. This can help to reduce a dog's reactivity, and therefore their barking.
If you need a quick result (in a public place, or late at night for example) try simply distracting your dog with a treat and a command.Distracting them in this manner can redirect your dog to something positive, or a more desired behavior. Try taking their favorite toy with you and be sure that the distraction involves some kind of reward - basically, you have to offer some incentive for them to focus on you!
Another option is to use an ultrasonic bark device like TrueBark™, which acts as an instant interrupter to your dog.
The high-pitched sound it emits works as a harmless but effective bark control aid,for when you need it most. Interrupting your dog’s barking behavior, it can begin to break any entrenched habits they have, and allow you to regain control over the situation. It’s a portable, humane and quick way to get your dog focussing back on you, no matter what is going on around them.
With these 5 top tips, you can begin to find the cause of your dog’s behavior,and decide which method will be most effective at helping you curb any excessive or disruptive barking.
Remember that the quickest way to effect change in your dog is to keep your training sessions positive and upbeat.Remain consistent and clear, so your pup can begin to build a framework around what it is they can do to really please you, and get everyone in the family involved too.
The high-pitched sound it emits works as a harmless but effective bark control aid,for when you need it most. Interrupting your dog’s barking behavior, it can begin to break any entrenched habits they have, and allow you to regain control over the situation. It’s a portable, humane and quick way to get your dog focussing back on you, no matter what is going on around them.
With these 5 top tips, you can begin to find the cause of your dog’s behavior,and decide which method will be most effective at helping you curb any excessive or disruptive barking.
Remember that the quickest way to effect change in your dog is to keep your training sessions positive and upbeat.Remain consistent and clear, so your pup can begin to build a framework around what it is they can do to really please you, and get everyone in the family involved too.
