Stop Dog Barking Once And For All
This can be the most maddening thing for those that have canines: A dog that insists on barking constantly. All you want is some quiet time, but your dog could be less concerned about what you want!
It is important to remember that a dog does not always understand a human’s wants and needs, so it is important to try and understand why the dog is barking.
Pay careful attention to the barking behavior. Can you identify a trigger? Can you spot something that is obviously bothering him, or is it something harder to see? Most barking is caused when a dog spots a stranger approaching or standing nearby.
Dogs are territorial by nature, so they bark as a warning to safeguard their own space.
Try to be prepared for these moments when the dog feels intruded upon. For example, if the neighbor and his loud truck come home from work at the same time every day.
You should have some idea of when your mailman delivers the mail everyday. Around that time, put a leash on your dog. When you start to see the mail car give a little tug on the leash, before he even gets a chance to bark. It’s a nice jolt to the system.
Even better, if you are outside, is to have a little water pistol handy. If you know what triggers your dogs bark, squirt him with water before he gets a chance to bark. He’ll soon figure out there are consequences for the barking.
Don’t forget to also reward your dog when he behaves. A nice treat and a lot of belly rubs when he does not bark show that he is doing the right thing.
dog training | Craig Vic | 16 March 2009 |
