subject: Dog Training and Puppy Training - 3 clever Ways To Stop Barking [print this page] A sure way to annoy your neighbours and anyone else nearby, is to be unable to stop your dog from too much barking.
This is not always an easy thing to do, but the effort made will pay off big style. You and your pet will be calmer and happier and those next door will not be praying for you to move house!
Firstly and most important, do not respond to the barking in any kind of angry way. If you are not calm and relaxed, the dog may well reflect your mood and play up even more.
No matter how irritated you are, take a moment to make sure you are a confident and assertive 'pack leader'.
Your dog will not respect a snappy and uncontrolled response.
Next, do not stop correcting until the dog has submitted. Whether you use a sound, a look, a hand signal or physical restraint, make sure to follow up. If you try to correct and allow the barking to continue at all, then it will be doubly difficult to stop them next time.
You may well need to be very patient to get the required submissive behaviour, but it will certainly be worth the effort.
Prevention can be better than cure, so why not try to avoid the pent up frustration which can cause too much barking?
Make the daily walk more physically challenging, perhaps even use a bicycle. What about getting them to carry a backpack like the TV ' Dog Whisperer' does?
You could also try to provide them with some mental exercise. There a number of recommended games to challenge both the dog and yourself. Increase your fun by finding one or two you both like.
A relaxed and happy dog will only bark when it is the right time to do so. No one likes hearing nuisance barking, so do yourself and your neighbours a favour by stopping or preventing it in the first place.
If you need professional help, there are many courses and books available.
Do your research and find a mentor or teacher you can relate to.
The right help and guidance can make the process of training your dog enjoyable and effective.
