Secrets to Stop Dog Barking Behaviors
Dog barking is upsetting your life, as well as the lives of your neighbors. Most owners believe that there is nothing left for you to do other than re-home your dog for the sake of a more normal and peaceful environment. Before you take any drastic measures, you can how professionals quiet this nuisance behavior of canines.
Why Dogs Bark
It probably seems like your dog has lost his grasp on sanity once it begins its ceaseless barking, but fear not, there is a reason your dog is barking. A dog learns to institute particular behaviors that it finds to be rewarding. In this instance, your dog has discovered that barking is getting him something that he probably craves.
You May Be Inspiring those Barks
When a dog barks for no particular reason and persists in it’s behavior, is generally due to the fact that it is getting more rewards for the behavior than punishment. You might think that you are punishing your dog when you are trying to stop dog barking behaviors, but your dog may see this attention as positive reinforcement for the very behavior you are trying to eliminate.
Stop Dog Barking the Sensible Way
The dog sees this behavior as a win. The barking gets attention from his human family as well as from the neighbors. Many owners may try to use bribes or treats as a method to stop dog barking, but of course your dog sees this as more ‘positive reinforcement’. You have to step up and refuse to take part in this bad behavior cycle.
What You Need to Do to Stop Dog Barking in its Tracks
You have to change the situation for your dog and make it more rewarding for your pet to be quiet if you are really serious about wanting to stop your dog from barking. Once your dog has learned that being less vocal is the behavior that brings it rewards, then that unwanted barking should cease.
What Rewards Are Needed to Rein in that Obnoxious Barking?
To a dog, a reward may not necessarily be what a person may view as a “reward”. You have to think like a dog in order to understand how to handle any canine behaviors the correct way. Dogs are social beings and crave companionship. They need a leader, food, exercise and attention. Those dog treats, real food, squeaky toys and other things are nice, but they may not be the type of reward that your dog is seeking. From a dog’s point of view, getting attention from humans, and knowing that they are a part of a pack (family) are two very important Rewards.
Stop Dog Barking with Positives and Negatives
Besides the rewards that a dog may need to stop unwanted barking, one has to look at how to use negative reinforcement too. Negative reinforcement is when you try to stop dog barking by responding to this behavior in a manner best described as ‘negative’. These approaches should be humane and definitely unpleasant to the animal. It’s sometimes best to use positive and negative reinforcement techniques to stop a dog from barking.
Simplest Forms of Negative Correction for Dog Barking
When a puppy, or adult dog is barking, you can always yell at them to “Stop”. You can even try rattling a can of marbles or blowing a loud whistle when the barking begins. Some people may want to deliver a corrective ‘tap’ on the dog’s backside with a rolled up newspaper when barking behaviors are first heard. These tactics may only distract the dog for the moment.
Spritz and Spray Bottles
These are just plastic bottles that are designed to deliver a fine mist of water in a designated direction. Water alone may not be enough to deter the dog from barking. Some trainers encourage you use one of the sprays that are specifically made to be used with these dog training bottles.
Stop Dog Barking Sprays May Work
These spray formulas create a harsh, unpleasant odor that can be detected by the dog. The sprays will not injure the animal but they will sometimes help break the cycle of barking. Many pet owners find that the dogs soon learn to associate the barking behavior with the negative chemical spray and they will then rein in that ‘out of control’ barking that has been driving you and your neighbors over the edge of reason. Most people don’t have a bottle at the ready to stop their dog from barking.
Electronic Shock Collars
These are dog training products that may be effective when used to stop dog barking behaviors. When used correctly these collars can produce positive results in as little as 24-48 hours. Most dog owners don’t know how to use these collars effectively. These dog collars produce a light to heavy shock, similar to a static charge, whenever the barking begins. The shock is not designed to injure any animal but it is meant to get the dog’s attention and distract him from that ceaseless barking. Many times these collars only worsen the problems and may lead to a dogs further aggression. Your pet is supposed to discover that the barking initiates the unpleasant shock of electricity. These are not always effective!
Tips to Remember
Many dogs who live in backyards during the day often bark because they are bored, need exercise or feel the need for attention.
Do not reward your dog with positive attention when the animal is barking. Don’t call him or yell at him from a distance. This kind of response can be viewed as ‘rewarding’ by the dog because it is getting some attention and recognition.
You need to go to where your dog is when he is barking and then you can correct the behavior by deploying approved humane methods. Your dog needs to realize that you are there to correct their behavior and not to simply visit and give them love.
Positive Rewards at the Right Time
Positive rewards should be presented when your dog is quiet and not barking, because this will support your training efforts.
Consistency is Everything
Being consistent in all your training efforts is key to stop your dog from barking. You may need to apply a few different methods in order to discover which one works best for your pet. Patience and consistency can stop those noisy barks and howls that are threatening to disrupt your dog and human relationships.
