Dogs bark. Sometimes it is for a good reason, and sometimes it is not. But when your dog begins barking excessively, the first thing you want to do is learn how to control it. To control barking in our dogs, we first need to understand some of the reasons why they are barking too much.
Some reasons why your dog may bark excessively:
- Your dog is afraid – Sometimes dogs bark out of fear. One of the more common examples of this is a dog that bark at an approaching stranger and then won’t stop.
- Your dog is seeking attention – Young puppies as well as adult dogs often learn that barking will get them attention. The problem is that dogs will be happy with any attention they receive, whether it is negative or positive. A ‘No!’ from you is still attention.
- Your dog is over-excited – Sometimes, your dog will get over-excited during play and begin to bark too much. If it happens occasionally, it is not a problem. But if it happens every time that you play with your dog, it is a behavior that needs to be controlled.
- Your dog is bored- A dog who is bored will often begin to bark to excess. This is quite often the easiest behavior to control and to fix. Your dog needs stimulation, and lots of toys and play will help with this. They need an outlet for their energy. Provide this, and the barking will stop.
- Your dog is lonely– A dog who is left alone too much or does not get enough attention will often bark to excess. This is also easily fixed.
- Your dog is anxious – An anxious dog will often bark too much.
Modify your Dog’s Behavior:
- Do not shout at your dog. Shouting will only make his barking worse. He will think you are barking, too, and will probably be happy that you have joined in.
- Be consistent with your dog. Pick a one-word command or noise to control the barking. Everyone in the house must use the same command or noise, or it will not work. In my experience, ultrasonic noise is helpful for curing excessive barking. Combined with behavior modification, it is the best way to stop excessive barking in it’s tracks.
- Be patient with your dog. Changing a bad behavior can take time, and it can’t be fixed overnight. Don’t become angry with your dog, as he will sense this and may even bark more.
- Reward your dog’s good behavior. Your dog wants to please you, and praising him is the best reward.
- Do not speak in a soothing voice when your dog barks. This may reinforce the idea that the barking was for a legitimate reason and that there’s a reason to be anxious. He might begin to bark more.
- Practice with your dog to control his excessive barking. Take him in situations that you can control and teach him not to bark.
You Can Control Excessive Barking.
Excessive barking can be a terrible problem for dog owners, but you can get it under control. If you understand the underlying behavior and interrupt it, excessive barking is easily fixed, making it easier to enjoy your dog’s company.
