How to Stop Your Dog's Excessive Barking
Expecting a dog to never bark would be unrealistic but there are times that you wonder how to get dogs to stop barking at every noise.
As you will see in this blog post, there are several reasons behind your Fluffy Friend’s behaviour.
It’s just a matter of understanding and then handling accordingly.
If excessive barking is a problem in your home too, you’ve come exactly to the right place.
Let us guide you through the process!
Why Do Dogs Bark?
Identifying the reason behind your dog’s barking is the first step.
Barking is a mean of communication used by your furry friend.
There are a variety of reasons why your Fluffy Friend barks in the first place.
Here are some of the different reasons why dogs bark:
- Territoriality: When a person or an animal enters an area that your dog considers their territory, this frequently results in excessive barking in order to protect it. The barking often becomes louder as the perceived threat approaches. With this type of barking, your dog will appear alert, even aggressive.
- Fear: Some dogs will bark in response to any loud noise or object that catches their attention or startles them. This can occur anywhere. When they are scared, their emotional response usually is in the form of barking with their ears turned back and a tucked tail.
- Boredom or sadness: Dogs are social animals, so boredom and loneliness are common. Dogs left alone for long periods of time, whether inside or outside, can become bored or sad, and will frequently bark to express their displeasure. It is essential to expose your pup to social situations from time to time.
- Excitement: Dogs frequently bark when greeting family members or other animals. It's usually a happy bark, accompanied by tail wags and, occasionally, jumping. Also, a dog barking can mean he wants something. He may want to go outside, play, or get a treat.
- Separation Anxiety: When dogs are left alone, they frequently bark excessively. They frequently exhibit additional symptoms such as pacing, destructiveness, depression, and inappropriate elimination.
- Medical Condition: Excessive dog barking can be caused by a variety of medical issues, ranging from bee stings to brain disease to chronic pain. An old dog may develop canine senility, which causes excessive vocalisations. It's always a good idea to have a veterinarian examine a pet to ensure there's no medical reason for a problem.
Related: How to Groom Your Dog at Home Like a Pro
How to Deal with Excessive Barking
As dog owners, it’s our responsibility to be committed to our companions.
This means that we need to take the time and effort as well as practice and consistency!
Of course, correcting undesired behaviour won't happen overnight, but with the right training techniques and patience, you will definitely see gratifying results.
Here are a few pointers to keep in mind as you begin your journey to correcting your dog's constant barking:
Physical Exercise and Mental Stimulation Are Key
A tired dog is a peaceful dog.
If your dog barks when left alone, try to tire them out before you leave.
A great idea is to go for a long walk or run, play tug, or visit the dog park.
Treat their Separation Anxiety
If your pooch spends hours barking and whining when you leave, you should definitely train with them so their anxiety goes away! We wrote a whole blog post about that, just click here: "6 Tips to Help Your Dog With Separation Anxiety"
Teach Them How to Play Alone
Providing your dog with something to do during the day can also help.
Consider leaving out a couple of food-dispensing toys filled with tasty treats.
These puzzle toys are great for your pup's mental exercise and will likely keep them occupied for several hours before they eventually get tired and take a nap.
Additionally, consider leaving him with his favourite toy to keep him comforted while you're away.
Find Alternatives to Barking for your Dog's Communication
Barking for attention should never be rewarded.
If your puppy barks for water and you fill the dish, you've taught them to bark in order to get what they want.
It's the same if they bark to go outside.
So teach them to go out by ringing a bell you've tied to the door handle.
If they bang the water dish before filling it, they might start pushing it with their nose to make the same noise.
If they bark and you notice their dish is empty, wait a few minutes, do something else, and then refill it so they don't realise their barking was effective.
Basic Commands go a Long Way
To prevent a dog from barking every time pet parents come home or the doorbell rings, teach them other behaviours.
One method is to teach your dog to go to a specific location and remain there when the door opens.
It's preferable if they can see the door but aren't too close to it.
The best way to go about this is to choose a location and practice getting your dog to go there and stay without touching the door.
Make it a game by using lots of high-value treats and praise.
When your pet is consistently doing this, begin opening the front door while they are in their spot.
Allow someone to come in the door once you can open it and your dog will stay in their spot.
Of course, your dog will attempt to leave the spot at first, but with time and practice, they'll learn to stay in their spot when the door opens and guests enter.
Also, never give your dog a treat for barking when you come home, no matter how happy you think they are.
Pet them or make eye contact with them only when your dog stops barking and sits quietly.
Then acknowledge and compliment them.
Teach them "speak!" or "quiet!" so they know how and when it is allowed for them to use their barking.
Related: Dog Keeps Shaking Their Head: What To Do
What Pet Owners Should Not Do:
- Don't encourage your dog to bark at certain sounds (a door slamming, outside noises, people passing by) while discouraging them from barking at others. Maintain consistency.
- Never use a muzzle, shock collars or other form of restraint to keep a dog quiet for extended periods of time or when they are unsupervised. It can be harmful to your pet.
- The most important thing is to not let undesired behaviour drag on indefinitely. The more a dog does something on a regular basis, the more it becomes ingrained. Barking can cause an adrenaline rush in dogs, making the barking enjoyable. Start with training as soon as possible!
This specific blog post was created especially for you.
At this point we want to say that we’re very grateful for our readers, keep on commenting and letting us know what you’d like to read next!
Until next time,
… stay Fluffy!
Your MrFluffyFriend Team
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