Solution to Dog Barking

Barking is a dog's form of communication. It is important to recognize that dogs bark to communicate different emotions including: excitement, boredom, frustration, hunger, fear, nervousness, anger and happiness. Barking can be annoying for owners and their neighbors. By properly training your dog, it is possible to control the noise.

  1. Find The Problem

    • Some barking is appropriate, but excessive barking should not be tolerated. In order to solve a barking problem you must find the reason for the problem. Dogs usually bark because they are left alone, there are unexpected noises or people, or simply for attention.

      To identify the problem, make a chart of when your dog barks, why and how long the barking lasted. Once the problem is identified, help the dog get used to the barking stimulus.

      If the dog barks when it is left alone, be sure the dog gets plenty of exercise and social time. This way it will be tired and more likely to sleep when it is alone.

      If the dog gets excited by noises or unexpected sounds like doorbells, ring the doorbell a hundred times a day. By flooding the dog with the barking stimulus, it will get used to the noise.

      If the dog barks for attention, ignore him. The dog is asserting dominance and you need to show that you are in charge. Don't give in to the dog's demands.

    Set Rules

    • Once the problem is identified, set rules. Be consistent. Choose an amount of time you allow your dog bark. It may be 30 seconds or five seconds. After the set time, get the dog's attention. Try using a verbal command, shaking a can of change, blowing a whistle, or squirting the dog with water. When the dog is quiet, be sure to give the dog a treat and praise.

      If the dog continues to bark, even a little bit, reprimand the dog immediately and start the process over. Training takes discipline from both the owner and the dog. If training is completed properly, the dog will learn to be quiet.

    Remember the Reward

    • It is easy to punish a dog for barking, but it won't solve the problem. Remember to reward the dog for being quiet. Rewards reinforce that quiet behavior is good behavior. Owners often notice when a dog is loud, but not when it is quiet.

    It Takes Time

    • No dog will completely stop barking, but it can be controlled. Just remember that it takes time. Like any bad habit, barking won't be solved overnight.