Simple Tricks To Stop Dog Barking
Dogs bark because we humans want our dogs to bark. For years our domestication process and selective breeding has allowed our dogs to develop their barking abilities. Wolves don’t bark Barking was further developed in dogs in order to scare intruders or to help the master out (i.e. on farms to assist in gathering the sheep).
Most dogs simply bark to communicate, to get attention, or simply to show their excitement. Training and lifestyle are important factors in teaching the dog how to communicate with its master. If you reward your dog for barking, he will continue to do so. The best thing is to figure out what your dog is trying to tell you and go from there.
If your dog is excessively barking, try to figure out what he is trying to say. If it is to get attention, your or others, the way to break this habit is to wait for him to be quiet before you give him the attention your dog wants. By acknowledging the barking when your dog is barking you will reinforce the barking. If you wait he will change his habit.
Some dogs are extremely territorial. They will bark at not only a person approaching, but someone they see walking across the street or on the next block. The best way to stop this is to distract him when he starts to bark. Catch his attention with a treat or by playing. Every time the bark cycle is broken, it sends the message that quiet will get the most reward.
Finally, remember that by taking the time to discover why your dog is barking will result in less stress for both you and him. He will get much needed positive attention and you will get quiet. You will both win if you react appropriately to the situation.
Get more Dog Potty Training Tips and ideas on Dog training at Colleen Tess Dog Training Academy for K9.