Barking is one of the most common complaints of dog owners. Unfortunately, barking is normal behavior for dogs, so they don't understand why you don't want them to bark. Dogs bark when they are excited, scared, angry or territorial. Barking is their way of alerting you--and other dogs--what is going on in their territory. However, you can work with your dog to reduce his tendency to bark.
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Teaching Through Reward
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The most straightforward way to teach your dog to stop barking is to reward him when he stops. The training begins by getting your dog to bark: Let him outside when are other dogs are there, ring the doorbell, or start any other activity you know triggers barking in your dog. When the dog starts barking choose a word or sound such as "Shhh" or "Quiet." When you get the dog's attention show him a treat and say the word again. When the dog stops barking feed him the treat. Repeat this process several times a day for a few days. The dog will realize quickly that the command you have chosen means he has to stop barking, Over time you can praise him or pat him on the head as a reward, but in the beginning the treat will motivate to comply with the demand to stop barking.
Citronella Collars
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Citronella collars are a more intense technique to try if rewards don't work. The collar will spray the dog with a gentle mist of citronella when she dog barks. This spray is offensive to dogs because of their sensitive sense of smell; upon being sprayed they instantly stop barking. After your dog is sprayed a few times she realizes that she will be sprayed when she barks, and the barking stops.
Change the Environment
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Certain environments will cause a dog to want to bark. If your dog feels threatened or scared he is likely to bark. Keep your dog out of areas that will trigger his instinct to bark to warn you. If your dog barks at the park, take him to a different park. If he barks at other dogs in the neighborhood when you walk him every morning, try another route. Teach him a word through a reward system that signals it is time to stop barking, but pair the word with environments that encourage a calm, peaceful dog.
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