Dog Training – 5 Ways to Stop Annoying Barking

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By Marilyn Burnham

Incessant barking is not just annoying to you – it’s most likely ticking off your neighbors, too. Most cities have ordinances concerning barking dogs and will fine you if your pet can’t be controlled. Most people want their pets to bark when there is danger or an intruder, so teaching your dog never to bark is really not an option. You want to teach your pet that barking to get your attention or because he’s bored is not appropriate behavior. Dogs bark for another reason, too. When your dog sees people or animals walk by a window or a fence – they walk on by. To your dog, that is naturally defending his territory. He has “won” because the intruder is gone. Have you had a dog that goes ballistic when the postal carrier walks on the porch? If the postman stuck around, your dog wouldn’t be stuck in that pattern. Some owners try electronic “shock” collars to keep their dogs from barking, but they are often ineffective unless you engage a qualified trainer. Try working with your dog yourself before going the electronic collar route. Barking is a difficult issue, and many trainers recommend working with your pet on any other behavior issues before you get to it because it may signify a dominance problem with your dog. Here are some effective ways to cope with barking:

1. Leash training. If your dog has a problem with barking indoors, keep his training collar and leash on. Every time he barks, snap the leash to engage the collar and say, “No,” and lead him to a quiet part of the room. Do this every time he hears a bump, sees another animal or seemingly barks for no reason. If he sees or hears a person, do the same thing, but praise him five seconds later. You want your dog to bark when he sees strangers. Repeat until he understands. If your dog begins walking away on his own, lavishly praise him.

2. Tire him out. If your dog barks incessantly when you aren’t home, try playing with him before you leave to tire him out. This particularly works with puppies. Dogs often sleep after they eat, so feeding your dog before you leave can help, too.

3. Stop giving him what he wants. If your dog determines that you’ll let him in the house when he barks, stop letting him in. It may be annoying for a few days while Buster is figuring out that you have just become a better-trained dog owner, but it will be worth it.

4. Radio training. If you're outside dog barks when you are gone, leave a two-way radio at a strategic location in the yard. Armed with the second radio, walk down the street. Ask your neighbor to stand by your fence or do something to make your dog bark. Shout loudly into the radio, “Quiet!” This gets your dog’s attention because he can hear you but cannot see or smell you. Try it a few times and measure your success.

5. Change your dog’s environment. Close the curtains if your indoor dog spends all day in front of the window barking. If you suspect he’s barking because he’s bored, turn on the television for him. If your outdoor dog is the problem, consider keeping him indoors at night or when you are gone, or build a run in a quiet part of your yard.

In very, very extreme cases, an operation can be performed on your dog that eliminates his bark – you’ll just hear a hoarse whisper. The surgery is controversial, and some vets won’t even perform it. Avoid this! Work with your dog yourself. If you get nowhere, hire a competent trainer

Marilyn Burnham


Author: ‘Dog Owners Boot Camp’


The How To Guide, Dog Training Secrets Professional Dog Trainers Don’t Want You To Know! For Information click on House Dog Training
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