Walking, running, jumping, and licking are great ways to keep your dog entertained and happy.
Dog barking may be less pleasant. It may be, in fact, downright annoying. So, what do you do when a dog’s excessive barking becomes a problem?
Redirecting the behavior can be simple and rewarding. Try these simple steps to get your dog to stop barking. Read on!
Start With Basic Obedience Training
This will help your dog learn to listen to you and follow commands. Once your dog has a good understanding of basic obedience, you can begin working on specific commands to stop the barking.
“Quiet” and “speak” are two common commands used to stop excessive barking. You will need to be consistent with your commands and praise your dog when he or she is quiet.
You may also need to provide treats or other positive reinforcement. If your dog is barking excessively due to separation anxiety, you will need to work on helping your dog feel more relaxed and comfortable when you are away.
This may involve crate training, desensitization, and positive reinforcement. But, if the excessive barking persists, then consider hiring a dog trainer or consulting with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical or behavioral issues.
Be Consistent With Your Commands
If you consistently tell a command, it will eventually learn that this is not the behavior you want. You may need to be firm and use a deep voice when first teaching your dog this command, but once it understands, you can use a normal tone of voice.
It is also important to only give the command when your dog is actually barking. If you tell it to “quiet” when it is not barking, it will get confused. Also, make sure to reward your dog when it obeys the command this will reinforce the desired behavior.
Understand What’s Triggering the Barking
It could be boredom, fear, anxiety, or hunger. Once you know what is triggering the behavior, you can begin to address the issue. If your dog is bored, try providing them with more toys or engaging in more playtime.
If your dog is afraid or anxious, begin slowly acclimatizing them to the thing they are afraid of or learn how to build confidence. If your dog is hungry, ensure they are getting enough food and snacks throughout the day.
Nuisance barking can be frustrating, but by understanding the root cause, you can begin to work on addressing the problem.
Try Bark-Deterring Products and Devices
These products and devices emit a high-pitched sound or ultrasonic noise that only dogs can hear. The sound is unpleasant to the dog and will deter it from barking.
There are different brands and types of these products and devices available, so you’ll need to find one that is suitable for your dog. You can also try using a rewards-based training program to teach your dog to stop barking.
Stop Your Dog’s Excessive Barking Today
If your canine companion is excessively barking, there are a few things you can do to help stop the behavior. Try using positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, when your dog is quiet.
If negative reinforcement is needed, such as scolding or time-outs, be consistent with your commands and rewards. Be patient while training your dog, and soon the excessive barking will cease.
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