Some types of dog barking, for instance- when your dog barks to warn you about a stranger, or when he is greeting or playing with you and barks, aren’t big problems and don’t need correction-maybe just a command to stop if if gets out of hand. If your dog suffers from any of these issues listed below, you should work with the dog on correcting these barking problems. It is too bad, but the excessive barking will not just go away on its own accord.
Here are some examples of barking problem behaviors and some ways to correct these types of dog barking problems-use the tips that are appropriate to your own dog’s behavior problem.
- In order to solve this problem of dogs starting up with their barking due to a visual stimulus, try to find a way to remove the view out of your yard. Moving your dog to behind a solid type of fence would be a perfect way to block his view. As an alternative to a fence (if you have none) try moving your dog to an area of the backyard with no view of the street -you will need to put him on a lead to keep him there. If you dog is an indoor dog, you can try closing all the drapes so your dog cannot see outside anymore.
- To solve the problem of dogs that bark in response to hearing nearby dogs barking, will require you to interact directly with your dog. To do this, you will need to use your hand to shut your dogs mouth, and to keep it shut until your dog has submitted and is calm. Your dog won’t love this, so it will probably be necessary to use your other hand to hold onto your dog’s collar to prevent him from running off. Another trick you can try is to spray him in the face with a small spray bottle of water as soon as he starts barking. Another option you can try is to use a can filled with pebbles to startle your dog and stop the barking. Any of these 3 tricks should work for stopping the barking temporarily-at least while you are actually applying them. At the same time you stop the barking, you should also command your dog to “stop barking” or “be quiet”-whatever command you have chosen. The goal of the training is for your dog to stop barking just by using your vocal command.
- Correcting the problem of a dog barking too much due to stress and insecurity will require you to give your dog lots more attention by exercising him, playing with him and training him. All the activity should make your dog a happier, more confident dog, who won’t need to express his anxiety through barking.
- To correct the dog barking problems cause by a bored or lonely dog, also will require increase attention by you in the way of exercising and playing and training your dog. A dog that is often left alone all day, without plenty of playing and exercising, is definitely more likely to develop this behavior. By giving your dog at least one and a half hours daily exercise, you will help a lot with his feelings of loneliness and boredom, and hopefully cut way down on his need to bark for long periods of time.
- In order to deal with the problem of your dog barking excessively at you as he tries to get your attention (whether for food, play, or affection) you should say “no” firmly, then turn your back towards him and ignore your dog. Be sure not to let your dog be a bully to you. The reason for this, besides the annoyance of a steadily barking dog, is that you are the Alpha dog. You will not be seen as Alpha by your dog if he can boss you around when he wants by barking at you. It is essential for training your dog that you alone are the Alpha dog
You can also find some types of barking prevention collars at the pet store. The Citronella oil collar works through the activation of a fine mist sprayed into your dog’s face when he starts barking. The second type of collar works by emitting a very high pitched sound . Either the smell or the noise is designed to stop the barking through aversion therapy.
There is even a collar that prevents barking through the application of electric shock. Some people have had good success using these when other methods have failed.
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