A Simple, Proven Way to Stop Your Dog Barking Excessively
Does your dog bark excessively? Are you worried that your neighbors will complain? Let me share a tried and tested way to stop your dogs excessive barking.
The first thing to remember is that dogs bark, it is how they communicate. Barking occurs for several reasons including as a warning, when they are anxious or bored, or when they are excited. They do not bark just to make a noise and annoy you!
Before starting training you need to decide in what circumstances barking is acceptable. Is it alright for your dog to bark at people who come onto your property or strangers who approach? What about if they need to go outside? Think about when your dog barks and figure out what the triggers are. If your dog barks due to boredom then make certain that they get plenty of exercise and are provided with toys that occupy and stimulate them mentally. In many situations barking may stop if they are well exercised.
Once you have determined situations where you want your dog to be quiet, you can start training. Address one thing that triggers barking at a time, don't try to fix everything at once.
Training the quiet command
1) Choose a word that you are going to use as a command for your dog to stop barking (e.g. no bark, hush or quiet). Get a metal container and put some pebbles or coins in it so it makes a loud noise when shaken.
2) When your dog starts barking allow them to do so once or twice. Shake the container - it should catch your dogs attention and stop them barking. As they stop give your chosen command, praise them and give a treat. If you want, you can distract your dog further by having them do a few basic obedience exercises e.g. sitting or lying down. Repeat as necessary but don't overdo it, sessions should be short and fun.
3) Once your dog is quiet on command in that one situation, move onto other things that trigger barking.
Remember to remain calm and low key when you train. Shouting at your dog will likely be interpreted as you barking and will reinforce the behavior you are trying to stop.
Training a chronic barker to be quiet will likely be a long term project, However you should changes within a week or so. If your dog continues to bark excessively despite your best efforts then you should consult with your vet or a behaviorist.
Visit www.trainyournewdog.info for more tips and tricks on training your dog.
Before starting training you need to decide in what circumstances barking is acceptable. Is it alright for your dog to bark at people who come onto your property or strangers who approach? What about if they need to go outside? Think about when your dog barks and figure out what the triggers are. If your dog barks due to boredom then make certain that they get plenty of exercise and are provided with toys that occupy and stimulate them mentally. In many situations barking may stop if they are well exercised.
Once you have determined situations where you want your dog to be quiet, you can start training. Address one thing that triggers barking at a time, don't try to fix everything at once.
Training the quiet command
1) Choose a word that you are going to use as a command for your dog to stop barking (e.g. no bark, hush or quiet). Get a metal container and put some pebbles or coins in it so it makes a loud noise when shaken.
2) When your dog starts barking allow them to do so once or twice. Shake the container - it should catch your dogs attention and stop them barking. As they stop give your chosen command, praise them and give a treat. If you want, you can distract your dog further by having them do a few basic obedience exercises e.g. sitting or lying down. Repeat as necessary but don't overdo it, sessions should be short and fun.
3) Once your dog is quiet on command in that one situation, move onto other things that trigger barking.
Remember to remain calm and low key when you train. Shouting at your dog will likely be interpreted as you barking and will reinforce the behavior you are trying to stop.
Training a chronic barker to be quiet will likely be a long term project, However you should changes within a week or so. If your dog continues to bark excessively despite your best efforts then you should consult with your vet or a behaviorist.
Visit www.trainyournewdog.info for more tips and tricks on training your dog.
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