Stopping Dog Barking - Top 5 Tips

Firstly, It helps us if we can understand the reasons why our dog starts barking. Barking is an essential form of communication for dogs. People talk,dogs bark. Excessive barking however, needs to be addressed. Dogs bark for a number of reasons; for attention, because they are excited, they want to play, they want attention, they are anxious or maybe they are ready for their next meal or snack or they could just need to use the bathroom (not literally of course)!

If your dog is barking outside, don't go running after him bribing him with a treat and telling him to be quiet, he'll just think this is a fun game! Instead, distract him with a noise and wait until you get his attention. If he gives you his attention and is quiet, give him a treat. Keep ignoring him until he gives you his attention. Reward the silence!

Never let your dog greet people at the door. A good idea is to have a small tub of treats near your front door. Tell your visitors to ignore your dog for the first few minutes when they enter the house. Let your dog check your visitor out in his own time whilst they are still ignoring him. Once he seems comfortable with your visitor, allow them to give him a treat. If he starts to bark, take him out of the room until he is quiet. Repeat this when needed. Your dog will get used to having visitors and will learn that visitors mean treats!

Your dog likes his personal space. Imagine a space around him the size of a hula hoop. When you meet people when you're out walking with him, make sure they stay out of his space until he is comfortable with them. If his space is invaded, he will do or feel one of three things; fear, fight or run away. Let your dog meet new people if he wants to, don't force him to meet new friends. Always carry some treats in your pocket so you can reward your dog for being good!

Like people, some dogs are afraid of the dark. Stop barking at night by making your dog feel safe and comfortable. Invest in a small night light and leave the radio on low. This way your dog will still feel as if there is someone in the room with him and he can still see his surroundings so he knows that he is safe in his home.

You can try investing in a citronella anti-barking collar. These spray citronella when a dog barks (which they do not like).

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Article Source: Ozzy Glover