subject: Citronella Spray Collar - How To Stop That Nuisance Barking [print this page] Dogs bark for a variety of reasonsDogs bark for a variety of reasons. To express excitement, to call attention, to assert its territorial boundaries, among others. But when your dog barks incessantly, it can be annoying to your family and to your neighbors. A responsible dog owner cannot let this condition continue and seeks ways to curb that barking behavior. There are strategies one can employ, from observing the dog extensively to using a citronella spray collar. Let's go through those approaches.
Wrong rewards
Many dog owners respond the wrong way to their dog's non-stop barking. They scream at the dog when it barks, or come to its side to distract it from whatever triggered the barking. They also sometimes let the dog continue barking, even when they're in the premises and can stop the dog from barking. When you give it food or otherwise play with him, that's also bad. These only last for a short while. The dog has to be taught that such barking will not be tolerated.
Not overreacting to stimulus
Should the dog bark at some stimulus, say a doorbell or a passing loud truck, remain calm. Don't run to the door or hastily look out the window to yell at the truck driver. If you stay calm the dog will see that the stimulus is no cause for alarm. Over time, your dog will lessen his overreactions - barking - toward the stimulus.
Positive encouragement
If it's not too much of a bother - the noise that is - you can probably wait for your dog to calm down before approaching it. In this manner, he can associate his non-barking moments with your lavish attention. When your dog ceases the irritating barking, it's the right time to show it affection.
Use a bark collar
The dog might probably also bark non-stop when the owner is away. So to continue the right kind of "attention," use a bark collar. The collar is triggered by his barking, so every time he barks the collar is activated. Depending on the kind of bark collar, the dog might be sprayed, hear a high-pitched sound, feel a sudden vibration, or receive a mild electric shock. You can search online for more info on the types of bark collars. Be sure to get the right size for your dog.
These are but a few useful tips you can use. Among these approaches, many dog owners prefer the citronella spray collar approach.
