Stopping Dogs from Barking

Barking dogs are sure to attract enmity from the neighbors. It is you who love pets and your neighbors need not necessarily like them. Especially, when it is a barking pet dog. Barking pet dogs not only ruin the peace and harmony of your home, but also of the neighborhood. It can also become a nuisance for guests coming to visit you. It is really difficult to live with a dog who barks excessively. Dogs bark when they are hungry, bored, anxious, excited and happy, or when they want to attract attention or when they sense danger. Barking is a very common and natural phenomenon in dogs, but, excessive barking can be an indication to dog health problems and dog behavior problems. But at times, it can be very challenging and annoying to stop dogs from barking and to avoid this, a positive dog training is essential to prevent them from barking unnecessarily. You must be wondering how to stop barking dogs when they are not properly trained. Do not worry, you can use the below given devices to get rid of the barking dog nuisance.

Electric Collars
You need to put the battery charged electric collar around the dog's neck. The electric collar keeps track of the vocal movements of the dog and when the dog is about to bark it releases a mild electric shock. This prevents the dogs from barking. You must be thinking it's really cruel, but some dogs, who bark all the time without any reason, are stopped by using electric collar. However, the good news is that, this practice is banned in many countries.

Citronella Collars
Citronella is a type of grass that has a typical fragrance. It is generally used in anti repellent creams and certain perfumes. Like mosquitoes, the dogs too are irritated with this smell. You need to tie the citronella collar around the neck of the dog. When the dog barks, the collar automatically releases the fragrance of citronella. After few associations between barking and citronella smell, the dog stops barking to avoid the annoying smell. It is an effective method to stop dog barking.

Sound Emitting Collars
Sound emitting collars make an annoying high pitch sound, every time the dog barks. The sound is so irritating that a dog prefers to stay quiet. But, not all dogs are affected by this. Sometimes, your dog may start barking even more and loudly due to the irritation. So, first take the trial if it works for your dog. Some sound emitting collars, produce ultrasonic sounds, that can be heard only by dogs and few other animals. This sound is very distressing for dogs, and so they avoid barking.

Debarking Surgery
Debarking Surgery is performed on the dogs with chronic barking problem. In this surgery, vocal cords of the dog are cut. The surgeon may reach the vocal cord through mouth or may create an incision in the throat of the dog. After this surgery too, the dog is most likely to bark, but it will only make the husky sound. In some cases, the vocal tissues can rebuild and the dog can start barking again. However, it is advisable to use this method in case of dogs with chronic barking dog problems.

Muzzles
Muzzle is like a mouth cap that locks the mouth of the dog. It allows the dog to open the mouth only up to a certain limit, hence preventing the dog from barking. You need to choose the right size and shape of the muzzle, so that it does not fit very tightly to the mouth. If its too tight the dog can feel suffocated.

You can also consult the veterinary doctor, who may prescribe some medications to stop the dog from barking. But it is important to note that, instead of using the above methods, training dogs not to bark is important. You should train your dogs properly to prevent them from barking. It is advisable not to keep the pet if you do not have time to play or do some other activities with the dogs. Bored and inactive dog tend to bark more. So, make it a point that you spend quality time with your dog and give enough physical activity. Like humans, dogs learn from trial and error, and positive or negative associations. So, avoid associating barking with rewards. Make your dog learn and practice some basic commands, such as to sit, go, stop, come, etc. Once your dog learns all the commands, it is easy to stop him barking.

I hope this article answers your question, how to stop barking dogs. Some of the above given methods are indeed cruel, so use them for chronic barking dogs. Although, your love, affection, and little attention can help in the long run to make your pet dog a well mannered family member.