How to Stop That Barking Dog

Dogs bark to communicate and it is not recommended that you stop a dog from barking completely. Dogs bark to warn you of danger, to let you know they are hungry or need to be let outside, and even to let you know they are anxious or bored. While some barking is useful and lets you understand your dog’s needs, excessive barking can be extremely irritating and can interfere with your understanding of your dog’s productive barking. So, unnecessary barking is a behavior that you want to stop as soon as possible.

Dog Training Methods

There are a variety of ways that you can train your dog to stop unwarranted barking.

1. One option is to train your dog to stop barking in the same way you train him to sit or to follow any other command. For example, when he barks you might say “Quiet” in a firm, yet normal, voice. When the dog complies you then reward the behavior with treats or affection. Do not scream at the dog and do not ever physically abuse the dog. Neither screaming nor abusing will solve your problem and may only serve to exacerbate it.

2. Another option is to use a squirt bottle filled with water. When the dog barks, squirt the dog in the face with the water. This will not hurt him but will likely startle him and quiet him down.

3. A further training option is to put a bunch of coins into an empty coffee can. When the dog barks excessively, shake the can. Many dogs do not like the sound and will stop the behavior.

No matter what training method you chose, consistency is the key that will make it work.

Special Dog Collars

Behavior training with some of the strategies described above is the best way to achieve long term success with the barking problem. However, there are many products on the market that are designed to stop your dog’s incessant barking and restore peace and tranquility to your home.

These products include:

1. The Citronella Collar:

this works by giving the dog a sniff of citronella every time the dog barks. It is the same citronella that is used to keep mosquitoes away. It is not harmful to dogs, just unpleasant.

2. Dog Barking Collars:

hese collars work by transmitting an ultrasonic sound that is unpleasant for the dog to hear when the dog barks.

3. Pinch Collars and Shock Collars:

Both of these collars can hurt the dog. Some people find them effective when none of the training solutions or other collars are effective.

The important thing to remember is that the purpose of a dog’s bark is to tell you something. If he barks excessively then chances are that what he is trying to tell you is something important. Maybe he is announcing visitors, maybe he is hungry or maybe he is simply bored. No matter what the reason, the behavior needs to be stopped as soon as possible. Otherwise, life with your dog can be very loud and needlessly unpleasant.

More articles on Dog Behavior Problems

Every litter will have a least one shy puppy. If you're the owner of this puppy, learn some tips to help yours change in this article.

What is wrong with begging you might ask? Begging is another form of demanding behavior, and it is one of the most common complaints among dog owners. Learn how to handle this behavior in your dog.