Dog barking looking out the window
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When you’re rescuing or adopting a dog, barking is territory right? Some dogs bark occasionally, some bark rarely, and some bark a lot. How much, how much. In the latter case, owners wonder how I can get my dogs to stop barking.
Dr. Maureen Murithi, veterinary spokesperson and team vet for Spirit Dog Training, an online dog training resource, says barking is one of the ways dogs communicate with their immediate surroundings.
“Most of the time, dogs bark out of fear, boredom, loneliness, or to get your attention. They may also bark to defend their territory or as a greeting or game,” says Dr. Murithi. They also bark as a result of separation anxiety.
If your dog is compulsively barking, it’s a hassle that many owners would like to train away. You have probably already tried yelling at your dog to stop barking. Unfortunately, they can interpret the screaming as a competition or game and keep barking. “Dogs can’t process your disagreement with the barking just by yelling at them,” says Dr. Murithi.
What does it mean if your dog barks excessively?
Since barking is one of your dog’s modes of communication, it can help you find out why your dog is barking excessively. A dog’s bark can indicate:
By finding out when and why your dog is barking all the time, you can train him to stop. Pet owners need to be willing to take the time and be consistent if they want to see a change.
Here’s how to train your dog to stop barking
“Training your dog to stop barking takes a lot of patience, persistence, time, and effort,” says Dr. Murithi. Here are some of their tips to get you started.
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Speak in a firm, calm voice. For example, if you say “softly” while holding a finger to your lips when you look at your dog, he is showing him that you want something.
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When he gets what you want and stops barking, offer him a reward and praise. “In time, he will be conditioned to associate the word ‘calm’ with no barking or pleasure,” says Dr. Murithi.
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Try adding a hand action for extra emphasis, e.g. B. by holding out your hand in a stop motion. Using hand signals and verbal cues can help some dogs get to the heart of what you want.
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Tire your pooch so they lack the energy to bark excessively. Use walks, runs, and play times like fetch or tug of war to help. A well-trained dog barks less.
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If the behavior is new or you can’t figure out a trigger or reason for the barking, talk to your veterinarian and get examined. Pain and some health disorders like neurological disorder could be a culprit.
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Older dogs also tend to howl or bark more frequently. Regular veterinary checkups can therefore help keep an eye on health problems in seniors.
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If barking is the result of separation anxiety, owners should try finding dog sitting or walking service, enrolling in dog daycare, and working with their veterinarian on other lifestyle or medication options.
Additional anti-barking measures
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Early socialization prevents dogs from barking when interacting with other dogs or people. Whenever you have a new puppy make sure they are properly socialized by regularly introducing them to people, children, and other animals. Not only will this help your dog become a good citizen, but it can also help prevent excessive barking later.
Anti-barking devices have also been shown to help during exercise. When the dog barks, the pet owner presses a remote control that signals the collar to emit ultrasonic waves that stop the dog from barking. “The frequency of these waves is inaudible to the human ear, but not to dogs,” explains Dr. Murithi.
Also, be careful never to reward or pay attention to your dog when he barks. Always wait until they are calm to reward them with treats, praise, food, or attention.
With a little patience and a lot of work, you can begin to curb your dog’s excessive barking. You can also work with a personal or online training service to improve your dog’s particular situation. Talk to your veterinarian about bark training or ask friends and family for a trainer recommendation to help your pup work on his barking habit.
