Terriers & Barking Problems

Many terrier breeds and mixes tend to become problem barkers. They bark primarily due to excitement. This excitement could result from strangers walking by or the dog wanting to be fed. Excessive barking is the reason about 30 percent of dogs end up in shelters, according to the Department of Animal Science at the University of California. However, you can train a terrier to bark less.

  1. History

    • Terriers are small dogs originally bred to dig out small prey like rats and then kill them, according to the American Kennel Club. They needed to hunt independently, so are very intelligent. They also were small enough to work in tunnels or in thick undergrowth where human hunters could not go. For the hunter to know the location of the dog and prey, the terrier had to bark.

    Causes

    • If the terrier owner can determine why the dog is barking, then the owner can train the dog not to bark under those circumnstances. According the Applied Ethology Department of the University of Saskatchewan, dogs bark because they are alone, because they are stressed and want help or if they are extremely excited, such as when seeing a cat walk by.

    Reinforcement

    • Many terriers bark in excitement when they are being fed or when someone holds a toy out of their reach, according "Clicking with Your Dog." Refrain from giving food or the toy when the terrier is barking, or you reinforce the idea that barking results in good things for the dog. When the terrier barks, stay quiet and turn your back to the terrier. Give food or toys as soon as the terrier quiets. Always give praise or treats whenever you catch the terrier being quiet.

    Distraction

    • Along with positive reinforcement whenever the terrier is quiet, you can also distract the terrier from whatever is causing it to bark. If the terrier is barking, clap your hands or throw a container full of rice on the floor. This makes a strange noise that usually startles the terrier into being quiet. Reward him for the quiet. Some terriers will stay quiet if left alone with the television or radio on, because it causes a distraction.

    Warning

    • Know the barking and dog laws in your area before bringing a terrier home. Depending on where you live, dogs with problem barking can get their owners evicted or the dogs can be impounded and euthanized. At the least, there is a very large fine to pay. Although de-barking surgery can remove a dog's vocal chords, this is considered a drastic measure by the American Veterinary Association, only to be done if training fails.