Is Your Dog's Barking a Problem?

We know that puppies are cute, especially after they're house broken.  Now you think you've got everything under control until you notice a disturbing new trend - she likes to bark.  She especially likes to bark at the sound of the doorbell when inside, and at people walking by when outside.

Whatever the reason, it is annoying to you and you're worried the neighbors might complain.  You sometimes hear dogs barking in the neighborhood, but it's different when it's your dog and your responsibility.

Well, there are steps you can take to curb your dog's barking, but first let's go over why dogs bark.  It is very natural for dogs to bark when guarding their territory, when they feel they need to alert you to a problem, or when they want to let you know they need out to take care of business.  But that doesn't mean they need to bark uncontrollably and non-stop.  Some dog breeds tend to bark more such as guard dog breeds and small dogs.  Personality comes in to play as well; as some dogs are just more nervous, excitable, or territorial.

You might have noticed yelling at your dog to stop barking doesn't work.  It's been suggested this is because your dog thinks you are joining him in his game; he's barking and you're barking.

Training your dog not to bark is possible.  You can train him to stop barking on command.  It may take consistent action and patience on your part at first, but the result will be peace and quiet.  Let's use the barking at the doorbell in this example:

1. Get a friend to help. You need him to ring the doorbell to get your dog to start barking.

2. Use a command phrase consistently like "be quiet", "no barking", or "hush".  Pick just one phrase to use. When your dog starts barking, hold a treat out while you are saying the command phrase.

3. What will happen is your dog will stop in mid-bark to sniff the treat.  Repeat the command again and pause for a second before giving him the treat.  Praise him, even though he doesn't know what he did yet. 

4. Do this maneuver again and again, each time making your dog wait quietly for longer periods of time before giving him the treat. 

* Dog barks. 
* You give him the command while showing the treat. 
* Have him wait quietly before you give him the treat. 
* Praise him. 
* Now do this training in other situations where he tends to bark.

Lastly, it's important to know why your dog is barking.  Maybe he's doing it for attention.  If so, you need to play with him more.  He should get plenty of exercise, both physical and mental.  If he does, he'll be a happy dog and will be more in agreement with you on the barking thing.