subject: Minimizing the Bark [print this page] Minimizing the Bark Minimizing the Bark
How many times have you wished you could stop your dog's nonstop barking? If you've owned dogs, chances are you've come across a bark meister. Dogs that bark incessantly can be very frustrating, especially when your neighbors are constantly complaining about the noise. While there isn't an overnight solution to the problem, there are some things you can do to minimize your dog's constant barking.
Most people don't mind it when their dogs bark to alert them that someone is at the door or in the yard, in fact this is one of the many advantages of owning a dog, they make great watchdogs! The problem arises when your dog decides to bark at everything and everyone, all the time. No matter how much you love your dog; there will come a point when enough is enough. Incessant barking can fray at anyone's nerves.
The first step in treating your dog's barking problem is to determine what is causing the barking in the first place. A content and self confident dog will never resort to constant barking, so you have to find out what is happening with your dog.
Most dogs bark because they are bored. Barking is a self comforting behavior to dogs, and a dog left to its own devices for the majority of the day will try to find anything to entertain itself. Give your dog plenty of toys to play with when you're busy or out. Try to buy entertaining toys such as Kong toys which you can stuff with treats, these types of toys will keep your dog occupied for quite some time (this means less time barking).
Dogs can also bark to get your attention. Dogs are highly intelligent animals and they can quickly figure out that when they bark they get a reaction from you. Never shout at a barking dog as this will be seen by the dog as you barking back and it won't stop the dog from barking. If your dog barks to get your attention, ignore him. With time the dog will realize that barking will not get your attention. When the dog is calm and quiet, praise him and he will soon learn that by being calm, he gets your attention.
There are a few other ways to stop your dog from barking. One way is to use negative reinforcement. You can do this by squirting a bit of water on him from a spray bottle every time he barks. This is a humane way of punishing the dog for unwanted barking. Each time he barks, walk up quietly to him and give him a squirt in the face, you will have to be consistent with this and the dog should eventually learn that barking obsessively will only result in an unpleasant experience.
Distracting your dog when he's barking is another way to handle the situation. Put some coins in a metal can and shake it every time your dog barks. The dog will be distracted by the sound and will hopefully forget what he was barking at. A set of keys can also work.
Only praise your dog if he has done something praiseworthy. Constant praise will only serve to desensitize your dog. Give praise only if your dog has done something good.
One of the most important things you can do to stop a dog from barking excessively is to provide him with adequate exercise. Dogs that are given daily exercise are healthy and happy and walking your dog on a daily basis will help release any excess energy he may have making him less prone to barking. Make sure you train your dog to obey basic commands such as sit, stay and heel as you can use these to engage the dog if he begins barking.
Remember that dogs bark because it is one of the ways in which they communicate. You should never try to completely stop a dog from barking, you simply want your dog not to bark nonstop.
