Dogs bark because we humans want our dogs to bark. For years our domestication process and selective breeding has allowed our dogs to develop their barking abilities. Wolves don’t bark Barking was further developed in dogs in order to scare intruders or to help the master out (i.e. on farms to assist in gathering the sheep).

Remember dogs bark simply to communicate something to those around him. They may be trying to get attention. If that is the case and you don’t want the barking, to stop the barking reward your dog when he is quiet. Wait until he is silent before rewarding and reward lavishly when he does not bark.

Try to figure out what your dog is trying to tell you. If it is out of a need for attention, the best way to break this cycle of excessive barking is to wait for him to be quiet, then give him positive attention. Remember that by acknowledging the barking you will reinforce the barking and not the behavior you want. Waiting until he quiets will teach him that he gets more attention if he’s quiet.

If your dog is extremely territorial and barks at not only the person approaching but also someone on the other side of the street, then the best way to stop the barking is to distract him. It is important to stop him when he first starts barking. Catch his attention with a game or treat. So every time the bark cycle is broken it sends a message that quiet gets the reward and not barking.

Taking the time to discover what your dog is communicating will result in less stress for both you and him. He will get much needed attention and you will get quiet. It’s a situation you both win.

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