How To Make A Dog Stop Barking-Before It Becomes a Problem

Dogs are social animals. They can easily become frustrated. When dogs are frustrated, they bark or howl. If the only attention a dog receives is the punishment, it receives for barking, the behaviour continues because the dog will associate the attention to its barking.

Dogs that are not allowed to mix with other humans and dogs or confined for long periods without proper exercise need an outlet for their pent-up energy. A dog that is left alone all day is likely to take up barking as a hobby because no one is there to control him. In no time at all, barking becomes an enjoyable habit.For many dogs, once they start barking, they tend to continue barking for the sheer fun of it.

If you are looking How to make a dog stop barking, then it is important to take care of your dog's emotional and physical needs. You must make sure that your dog has enough to do to keep him occupied throughout the day.

Your dog just needs interactive play and walks to help keep him calm and relaxed. If he starts howling the minute you leave, give him his favourite chew toy to help keep him occupied.

You can also try leaving the stereo, radio or television on at a normal level. This can mask outside noises that would otherwise send your pet into a barking fit. Chew toys and plenty of attention and exercise are an excellent way how to stop my dog from barking

When your dog barking has already become a habit, try the following techniques to encourage him to stop.

Shaker Can

Make a shaker can. This is simply an empty aluminium can with some pennies or pebbles inside, with the openings taped shut. Place them around the house, so you can correct him quickly; the faster the correction, the more effective it is. When the barking occurs, grab the shaker can and say, "Quiet."

If he does not quiet immediately, enforce the command by shaking the can once. If he quiets, follow with praise and petting. If not, shake the can again. If he still barks, toss the can at his feet, being careful not to hit him. It may take several tries and several days to succeed, so be persistent.

Rain on his parade
To train your dog that his barking is not allowed and that you saying, "No barking" means "stop barking," give him a short blast of water with a squirt bottle. It is best to aim for the body and not the face. When he stops barking, praise him immediately.

If your dog is excessive barking has already become a habit, do not expect the barking to get under control overnight. It may take many attempts or repetitions to replace his old habit with a new one.

If you keep up with these techniques, you will start to see a new pattern of barking develop. Instead of barking continuously and at the insignificant, your dog will be barking appropriately and for a reasonable length of time.

It is important that you maintain this new good habit through practice and praise or your dog may revive his old annoying barking habits again.