Dogs bark. There’s no denying the fact that barking is a natural reaction for most canines. But sometimes, dog barking can become a problem and an annoyance. Oftentimes, owners respond to barking in ways that fail to address long-term behaviour. Examples include yelling, rewarding bad habits, or inconsistently disciplining.
When looking for a permanent solution, keep in mind that it is important for you, as the dog’s owner, to find the source of the behaviour. If your dog is barking because of boredom, providing your pet with something to do may be the answer. However, if separation issues are the trigger, this may require a completely different approach.
Sometimes, the most straightforward solutions work. For dogs who have established barking as a leisure-time activity, though, a simple solution does not always work. Luckily, there are several recommendations that Damion from Fetch offers for dealing with your dog’s barking.
Exercise
Make sure your dog has an adequate amount of physical and mental exercise before you leave in the morning. The morning walk is THE most important walk of the day. A tired dog is more likely to rest when you’re not at home. If possible, have a dog walker come to walk your dog mid-day. Many of our dog owners here at Fetch use us for this very reason
Socialisation
A dog may bark at people or other dogs if they haven’t been socialised well enough. A dog that has had many positive experiences with all ages and types of people, including people on bikes, in wheelchairs, children, etc., is less likely to bark at them. Letting your dog meet the postman and the Amazon delivery driver and asking them to give him a dog biscuit can help.
Dog Toys and Puzzles
There are a number of products that will give your dog something to do. For example, treats can be placed inside a toy, and the dog will work to get the treats out. Kongs are especially great for this
Manage Surroundings
A common suggestion by trainers for dogs who bark when owners are gone is to leave the dog with some familiar sounds, such as a radio or television program. The idea is that these approximate the household sounds when the owner is present. Additional steps, such as closing the blinds before you leave the house, can help by removing your dog’s opportunity to see things, such as squirrels or the postman, that will tempt them to bark.
Teach the “Quiet” Command
A popular method of curtailing excessive barking is teaching the “quiet” command. Use a calm, firm voice to tell your dog to be “quiet” and positively reinforce correct behaviour with treats and affection.
Don’t Respond To Barking Dogs
Many dogs will bark to get your attention, ask for food, or to tell you to open the door or let them out of the crate. Don’t respond. Wait until your dog is quiet to give them what they want. And be sure to recognise the behaviour you want i.e. provide positive reinforcement to your dog when he’s lying down quietly.
Remember that in all cases of unwanted behaviour..reward the good and ignore the bad. If you would like any further tips and advice then feel free to contact me at
fetchdogwalkingltd@hotmail.com
Happy Training!
Damion