Dogs bark, sometimes for good reasons. Most of us want our dogs to alert us to anything unusual. But dogs can also bark inappropriately, and excessively. But to control barking in our dogs, we first need to understand the reasons they are barking.
Some reasons why your dog may bark excessively:
• Fear
• Seeking Attention
• Excitement
• Boredom
• Loneliness
• Anxiety
Some dogs may start with a warning bark, but then the bark changes and becomes a bark of fear. One of the more common examples of this is those dogs that bark at approaching strangers and then won’t stop.
Young puppies as well as adult dogs often learn that barking will incite attention from us. The problem is that dogs will be happy with any attention they receive, be it negative or positive. A ‘No!’ from you is still attention.
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 you play with your dog, it needs to be controlled.
A dog who is bored will often begin to bark to excess. This is quite often the easiest to control and 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.
An anxious dog will often bark too much. Sometimes this is separation anxiety.
There are Things you Can Do to Modify your Dog’s Behavior.
First off, shouting is only going to make matters worse. Your dog will think you are barking, too, and will probably be happy.
Be consistent. Pick a one-word command or a noise that you make to control the barking. Everyone in the house must use the same command or noise. In my experience, ultrasonic noise is wonderful for stopping barking. Combined with behavior modification, it works the best to stop excessive barking.
Be patient. Changing a behavior can take time, and it needs to be done correctly. Don’t become angry, as your dog will sense this and become anxious.
Reward good behavior. Praise is the best reward. Your dog wants to please you.
Do not talk soothingly to your dog when he barks as this reinforces the idea that the barking was legitimate. He might bark even more the next time.
Practice with your dog to control his barking.
Excessive barking can be a terrible problem for dog owners, but with the right understanding of your dog’s behavior, it can be fixed. If you understand why your dog is barking and interrupt this behavior, it is often easily and quickly changed.
