Stop Dog Barking Fast
If your dog has a barking problem; it can be difficult finding a solution that works. As with any sort of undesirable behavior, the key to solving it is to communicate clearly to your dog what is acceptable and what is not acceptable behavior.
Many dog owners make the mistake of actually rewarding this behavior without meaning to. By doing these three things, we actually contribute to the problem of excessive barking:
1. Yelling at your dog is counterproductive - all this does is give your dog the attention that they were seeking.
2. Letting your dog inside. If your dog is outside barking up a storm, letting him in will make him think that he will be rewarded for this behavior.
3. When you give your dog a treat or pet them in response to their excessive barking, this is certain to keep them repeating the behavior. You are rewarding their behavior - and dogs will remember this. You must make clear to your dog that this barking is inappropriate behavior on their part.
Give these training techniques a try: Use these dog training techniques:
Don't scream at your dog. Basic dog obedience training will clear up problems like excessive barking for this reason - your dog will learn to think of you as their pack leader and want to please you whenever possible. The 'Quiet!' or 'Stop' commands, learned in obedience training will get your dog to knock off the barking.
If your dog tends to bark while you are away, you can solve this problem by withholding attention from them when you get home. Like most dog owners, you probably want to shower affection on your pet when you get home, but you must not let your dog associate their barking with your return (and petting, treats, etc.). Wait for your dog to calm down before you pay attention to them.
Dog Barks For Attention Or To Demand Something
This is one of the easiest barking problems to tackle. Once your dog looks at you as pack leader, this won't happen anymore. Your dog will learn to trust and respect you; then the demanding barking will stop.
Dog Barks At Passers By
If your dog barks at the mailman and delivery drivers, it is because your dog sees these people as invaders on their territory. The dog barks and is rewarded by the withdrawal of this 'intruder'. Your dog is obviously then pleased with themselves at having protected your home. Your dog will do this again and again - which is why this can be a hard problem to solve.
If it is one specific person who sets off this behavior, you may need to enlist them in order to correct the problem. If, for instance, your dog gets aggressive every time the UPS man comes, talk to your UPS driver and have them give your dog a treat. This will teach your dog that they are a friend, not a threat.
How To Stop Your Dog From Barking
Although in my experience this has never been necessary, if your dog will simply not stop excessive barking despite having tried every possible technique, you can speak with your vet about debarking surgery. I would never do this myself, but if you are at the end of your rope, talk to your vet about this.
Stopping your dog from barking, like any other dog behavior conundrum, is best addressed by proper dog obedience training.
About the Author: Dog won't behave? Learn how to train a dog. Get proven dog obedience training tips and puppy house training advice at http://www.dogbehaviorexpert.com
More articles by amyj@nitromarketing.com
Print Article | Download PDF | 38 views | Jun 29 2008
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