How to Teach a Dog Not to Bark

Understanding why your dog barks will help you correct the problem. A bark could mean that your dog has been alerted of something, it could be an intruder, your dog could be afraid or stressed out, feeling playful, or even boredom. Barking is caused by some kind of stimuli, which could be other dogs, a different sight or sound, strange people, and some dogs barks for attention. Dog owners don't realize it, but we could have encouraged them to bark when they were a puppy.

It is important that you understand that for dogs, barking is a natural way for them to communicate. They learn to bark excessively from us owners, because we unknowingly reinforce barking.



Teach A Dog Not To Bark

One thing that is important to remember as you are learning how to teach a dog not to bark, is that you must reward him when he is silent. We tend to yell at our dogs when they bark, and all this does in encourage them to do it more. In alot of cases a dog was taught when to bark, but not when to stop barking.



Teach A Dog Not To Bark

When your dog is quiet, reward them with verbal praise, but not too much. Too much praise can encourage them to start barking again.

You can start reducing the amount of attention your dog receives in a day by ignoring him when he is trying to get attention. This will be hard at first, and you being consistent is the key. However, the rewards are great.

If your dog barks when you are gone, leaving on a radio while you are gone, and leaving chew toy will help your dog. The toy should also be a special toy that he only gets when you are gone. This will make you going a treat for him because he gets to play with his special toy.



Teach A Dog Not To Bark

Another thing to try to to distract him when he starts barking. You can do this by throwing an object near him, such as keys, or something that will make a loud enough noise that it will get his attention, and when he stops barking, give it a few minutes of quiet and then tell him that he is a good dog. If you praise him right away, he will get excited and start barking again.

Keeping your dog social will teach your dog to focus on something other than barking. Your goal is to teach your dog to bark and be quiet on command so that you are in control of the barking.

I hope you find these tips helpful. Keep in mind that the key to success depends on how consistent you are with your actions, and always remember praise and reward.

Teach A Dog Not To Bark

It is also believed that the generic dog food leads to behavioral problems in dogs. Make sure and feed your dog a balanced diet that is full of nutrients.