PET ARTICLES BLOG

Tips on training your dog to stop barking

For a dog, barking is an instinctive reaction caused by a visual experience such as a cat running past, or maybe by something they hear, like a knock at the door. They will bark to defend their territory, or to show frustration or anxiousness. They will bark as a means of displaying their dominance, or perhaps just as a way of getting your attention.

Some dogs bark just because they like to!

If you're looking for more useful techniques to help you stop your dogs barking, have a look at Helpful tips on stopping dogs barking

To try and prevent your dog barking completely would be unreasonable and a little unfair - a bit like telling a child that he's not allowed to laugh or shout ! A much more advisable tactic is to gain total command of your dog, who will then be more likely to remain obedient to your commands to stop barking.

You could set up a false scenario in which you would actually want your dog to start barking - during an attempted burglary for example. Invite a friend over to your house, and ensure that you will not be interrupted or disturbed. Make sure that your dog is in a calm state, then tell your friend to attempt to come onto the property in a way that an invited guest would never try, like through an open window. Now encourage your dog to bark at your helper, using a phrase such as 'bark' or 'who's that'. What you do now is you tell your dog in a relaxed assertive tone to stop barking, using the command 'be quiet' or 'shush'. As the barking stops, give him the food reward and praise him for his good response.

To check out loads more useful information and advice on ways of stopping dogs barking excessively, take a look at Stop excessive dog barking

Repeat this exercise over and over, and ensure that you have your dog stay calm and focussed a little longer each time before giving him his food treat and praise. In the end, you should be able to quieten your dog immediately,and hold his attention for a good minute or so. Stay in a calm cheerful mood when telling your dog he has been good, which will confirm to him that you are pleased with his behaviour.

By practicing in a controlled situation, you will have a far better chance of keeping control of his barking when something unexpected triggers it in the future.

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I trust you've found this article helpful and informative. You may also want to take a look at some more useful advice on stopping dogs barking by checking out How to stop barking dogs

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