How to get your dog stop barking
While it is true that dogs bark as a means of communication, excessive or unnecessary barking can be annoying to owners, as well as their neighbors. We are often asked how to get a dog to stop barking and we have found there are a number of methods that can help train your dog to minimize the unwanted noise.
But before we go into any depth on the subject of how to get your dog to stop barking, do understand that no training technique will completely eliminate barking.
Tips to Get Your Dog to Stop Barking
Use of Commands
Most dogs are very trainable to commands. How do you get your dog to stop barking with a command? There are several ways to do this.
According to Cesar Milan: “Tell your dog to stop barking using a look, a sound, or a {gesture}. But don’t stop there. Your dog may pause and then go right back to what he was doing. His body relaxed, but his brain was still on alert .Wait until your dog completely submits before you go back to what you were doing.”
In other words, follow through with the look or command until the dog has abandoned their effort. Be patient, calm, and consistent.
Others suggest that you start backwards and work your way forward. This means that you teach your dog to bark on command. Treat-based training works well when teaching commands. Command them to “speak,” and when they do you can reward them with a treat. Over a period of time they will come to bark on command without the treat.
At this point you work your way forward. Use the command “speak” and then start using the command “quiet” and provide them with a treat when they stop barking. Reinforce the quiet behavior over time with treats. want to learn more deatils about: the basic commands
Anti-Stress Devices
For dogs that get stressed when left alone, there are several items on the market that can be of help.
Stress-reducing collars typically use pheromone technology or an herbal mixture that helps to relieve anxiety. The pheromones mimic those that nursing dogs release to comfort their pups, while herbal blends simulate pheromones. These are inexpensive and simple to use.
Anxiety wraps or jackets can also be helpful with a stressed or anxious dog that barks a lot. These are now marketed by several different companies and are readily available online and in pet stores. They are made from breathable fabrics that provide gentle, maintained pressure, which has a calming effect. Some also incorporate the tenets of acupressure in their product for additional stress relief.
And remember, you can set up an area of the house/yard/garage that is a “safety zone” for your dog. A crate with a bed, toys, and plenty of water can make them feel safe and secure. You can even leave the crate open and close a door or install a child safety gate so they have a bit more room. For added measure, you can provide the white noise or music as an extra calming device.
Ignore the barking
If you believe your dog is barking to get your attention, ignore them for as long as it takes them to stop. Don't talk to them, don't touch them, don't even look at them; your attention only rewards them for being noisy. When they finally quiet, even to take a breath, reward them with a treat.
To be successful with this method, you must be patient. If they bark for an hour and you finally get so frustrated that you yell at them to be quiet, the next time they'll probably bark for an hour and a half. They learn that if they just bark long enough, you'll give them attention.
Manage Surroundings
A common suggestion by trainers for dogs who bark when owners are gone is to leave the dog with some familiar sounds, such as a radio or television program. The idea is that these approximate the household sounds when the owner is present. Additional steps, such as closing the blinds before you leave the house, can help by removing your dog’s opportunity to see things, such as squirrels or the mailman, that will tempt them to bark.
Training
There are lots of tricks and tools you can use to help control your dog’s barking, but all of them are more effective in conjunction with training
Make sure your dog is getting sufficient physical and mental exercise every day. A tired dog is a good dog and one who is less likely to bark from boredom or frustration. Depending on their breed, age and health, your dog may require several long walks as well as a good game of chasing the ball and playing with some interactive toys.Training takes consistency and patience, but the long-term rewards are worth it .barking can be a real pain in the ears, but the right combination of tools and training will help your dog learn when to keep quiet.
Note:
We do not recommend harsh and intimidating techniques to eliminate barking. These would include physically striking your dog or threatening to strike your dog, the use of shock collars, or repeated yelling. While there are some who advocate for a spray bottle with water or offensive-smelling liquid, this too does nothing for the underlying issue of why your dog is barking. Punishment is never a solution in instances like these.
