As we all know, dogs bark. In fact, barking is part of their very nature. For dogs, to bark comes as natural a behavior for them as it is for a bird to sing or for a frog to croak. However, a dog barking can become a very troublesome when the barking is goes persists with no signs of ever stopping.
Most dogs will start to bark for normal, healthy reasons. This barking behavior can be for many reasons such as to warn its owners or to defend its family or property by scaring away intruders or other animals. But unfortunately, all too often a barking dog does not always stop at that. Once a dog starts to chronically bark, it can seem impossible to teach a dog to stop barking.
One of the most typical reasons for dogs to bark is due to loneliness or boredom. The best way to prevent a dog from barking here is to give your dog plenty of exercise and play time. If your dog receives plenty of play and exercise then it is more likely to want to rest or sleep while left alone when you are gone instead of barking.
An easy and effective what that you can proactively teach your dog to stop barking is to find a time when your dog starts barking, but, make sure that you keep a bag of dog treats nearby. Then, after your dog starts to bark, use a command to tell your dog to stop barking like "be quiet", or "stop barking". Wave the treat in front of your dog's nose after giving the silence command to your dog. You will find that your dog will stop barking and instead focus his attention on the treat.
It is important that you praise your dog for stopping barking, and then you can give your dog the tasty reward only after a few moments of silence. You should repeat this exercise regularly until your dog learns to stop barking at your command.
If you dog continues to bark chronically while in the process of the training, then it is important for you to be sure to keep your dog in the back yard and as far away from neighbors as possible until you can successfully train your dog to stop barking. If your dog is barking when in the house, consider closing the drapes and playing soft music to cover any sounds from the outside that may trigger dog barking.
There are several reasons why dogs can develop separation anxiety, some of which you probably did not cause.
1. Puppies that are taken from the litter too early can develop separation anxiety.
At this early age, puppies usually enjoy the comfort of knowing there is food and companionship readily available. Weaning the puppies away from the pack needs to be done a little at a time and certainly not before the puppies are at least six weeks old. Suddenly depriving the puppy of the things these comforts and reassurances represent can be painful if not done correctly.
2. Dogs that experienced a fearful event while separated from the pack will become anxious when left alone.
This event might be a thunderstorm, fireworks or other loud and shocking noises. Since dogs have such sensitive hearing, these overwhelming sounds can trigger fear. While in a pack, dogs feel safer (safety in numbers) and will receive the message from other pack members whether to run, hide or fight. Having to make that determination alone can lead to anxiety.
3. Dogs that have become closely attached to you and spend a lot of time with you can become anxious when you are apart.
Dependent dogs are more likely to show separation anxiety when their owners are away. They feel they have been abandoned. They have not been prepared for those times when they will have to be alone. Independent dogs, on the other hand, are less concerned with having you around and will not bark in your absence, except perhaps to defend his or her territory.
Knowing why your dog has separation anxiety will help determine the best way to stop dog barking behavior.
Build your dog's confidence. Many anxious dogs lack confidence and will be more fearful than other dogs. Work with your dog through exercises. The best exercises are those that 1) work off the dog's excess energy and 2) exercise his mind.
Physical exercise is important to any dog. It keeps them healthy and fit, alert and attentive. Make sure your dog gets at least 20-30 minutes of exercise each day. Of course, the more the better, so if you can fit three of these into each day, your dog will benefit more.
Mind exercise will help to build your dog's confidence. These exercises work with your breed's strengths. If your dog breed is good at hunting (Jack Russell Terriers are a good example), then develop some fun games that get him using those talents. Hide things around your garden and have him find them. When he brings them back, praise him. Be creative. Over time, he will become more confident.
One final tip about how to stop your dog barking from separation anxiety.
Practice coming and going. Step outside the door, walk a few paces away and wait. When your dog barks, go back, open the door and scold him. Tell him, 'No!'. Order him to 'lay down' and 'quiet'. Repeat this exercise several times in succession.
This will do a few things. It will make him realize that barking does not bring anything pleasant. He barks for attention, not to be scolded. It also helps him to realize that although he can't see you, that you are there. He will know that because as soon as he barks, you come right back in.
You might want to try this 3-4 times before you leave the house for a longer period. Repeat the exercise every time you leave. It will take a few weeks, but be persistent and you will see results, especially if you work on the other exercises.
The good thing is that by following these basic steps, you can stop dog barking behavior.
Both Mike Fletcher & Sylvia Dickens are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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