I began my research into how to stop a dog from barking after six, let me repeat, six very long and irritating months of listening to my pooch bark at absolutely everything! Marley, a Bichon-Shitzu mix, came to me as a birthday present and Wow... she sure was as cute as a button! We fell in love immediately.
I did however begin to notice that she was very skittish and she would start barking at what appeared to be nothing at all from time to time. The more she grew, the more skittish she became. The more skittish she became the more she barked. Eventually, she even barked at her own shadow. Literally!
Through research, patience and persistence, I discovered ways to help her overcome her need to bark.
* Why Does a Dog Bark in the First Place?
A dog barks as a form of communication. It can be that your dog is barking to warn you of impending danger, your dog could be bored, it can be welcoming you home, or if it's like my little dog Marley... it just barks to bark! Barking is about attention. Even when you shout, "STOP BARKING" at the top of your lungs you are giving your dog a form of attention. And all to often, shouting at your dog is ineffective. What is really happening is the creation of a cycle that goes something like this. Bark plus shouting equals your dog's interpretation of a weird form of affection.
* Here's A Quick "How to Stop A Dog from Barking" Training Method
1. When your dog barks at inappropriate times, go immediately to her and with a firm elevated voice say "NO", then quickly spritz your dog in the face with water from a clean spray bottle. If you don't want to use this water method then quickly, after saying "NO", flick your dog with two fingers on the top of its nose. Either method will induce an unpleasant consequence after a barking episode.
NOTE: It should never be your intention to hurt or harm your dog in anyway! Don't use so much force that you inflict pain upon your dog. You just want your pooch to experience an unpleasant consequence, however it should only be enough to make him or her think twice about barking.
It is very important to use a firm verbal command and the spray water or corrective nose tap method every time your dog barks inappropriately.
2. Go to him immediately during a barking episode instead of calling him to you. You must do this each and every time he barks otherwise he will never learn how "not to bark".
3. You must be persistent and consistent with this training method. If you're not... your dog will be persistent and consistent with his barking.
4. Reward your dog when he is a quiet dog! You can offer a treat or even playing with him when he's quite will work just as well. Remember your dog may be barking for attention. So when he or she is quiet, give them some.
When you can make being quiet more pleasant than barking, then and only then will barking become a thing of the past.
Copyright (c) 2009 Ultimate Edge Living, Inc.
If you live in a city, you probably need a small unobtrusive dog or "porta-dog" as one of my friends said once. If you live on a ranch, you may want a big dog that can hold its own in the wild. If you want a dog to fetch and find, you may decide on a retriever. You get the point. There are big differences in sizing and temperaments but also in how much they bark.
If you are looking to buy or rescue a dog the American Kennel Club's website (akc dot org) is packed with info. However the site is useful to discover if your dog is a natural "howler" or there is a reason for the barking.
The American Kennel Society has 7 groupings for dogs: In here I make some broad generalizations. Dig deeper if you want a particular breed.
1. Working Dogs. Traditionally bred to pull carts/sleds or perform rescue and guard work. Great Danes, Dobermans, Newfies, Malamutes are just a few in this large group. Note they are all BIG. Barking will likely be a deep and loud.
2. Herding Dogs originally bred for guarding and herding animals. They instinctively "herd" anyone in sight: kids, other animals, or you! Tend to be possessive, so may be more likely to bark at strangers.
3. Hounds. Hunting dogs they oftrn bark, howl or sing when they have their quarry cornered or up a tree. Their voices can travel a long way which is a good thing for their lagging human co-hunters. When not hunting they may lapse into their hunting mode of communication. Many breeds in this group e.g. Pharaoh Hounds, Elkhounds, Afghans and Beagles.
4. Sporting Dogs. Pointers, spaniels setters and retrievers. Happy, alert and good companions. Bird hunters make up a big part of this group. They need lots of exercise. Barking varies but much will depend on their treatment and training.
5. Terriers. Terriers tend to bark more than others, often described as "yappy" because they are excitable and tenacious - the perfect storm for extended barking.
6. Toy Dogs. They bark but often it's a small high sharp noise due to their smallness. This does not mean it won't grate on your nerves.
7. Miscellaneous Breed. This is a catch all group so many many dogs fall into this and their temperaments and tendencies will vary widely so study your chosen breed carefully.
Both Mary E Edison & John G. Kelly 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.
Mary E Edison has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets. Learn how to Stop Your Dog Or Your Neighbor's Dog From Barking! You'll rediscover peace and quiet with highly requested Bark Control Devices. Unlike other bark control units, these units are humane and will give you back your bark free life! Money Back Gu. Mary E Edison's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.
John G. Kelly has sinced written about articles on various topics from Lose Weight, Vitamin and Mineral Supplement and Pets. Be your own dog whisperer...learn about tools, tips and techniques at my blog. John G. Kelly's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.