How to Stop a Barking Dog

Many dog owners are frustrated and anxious about their dogs who bark incessantly. They wish that they had a perpetually quiet well behaved dog.

Why do dogs bark? They use barking as one of their forms of communication and they bark for many reasons and sometimes humans have difficulty understanding exactly why their dog is barking.

Here are some reasons why, and other circumstances that cause dogs to bark:

• The dog might bark because of its breed
• The dog is bored or hungry
• The may sense danger (another human or animal in his territory)
• The dog wants attention and wants to play
• He or she may feel insecurity in his surroundings and is fearful
• The dog might feel separation anxiety
• The dog is barking to manipulate their owner for whatever reason

What comes into play here is respect. Their respect for you is the basis of a happy well behaved dog. They must know that you are the leader, their boss, and that you are in charge. You must show the dog that you cannot be manipulated easily and that by barking the dog cannot get like he wants. She must know that harassing you will not achieve anything.

How to stop a dog from barking:

1. One of the most effective ways to stop the barking is to ignore the dog’s barking although she or he might try harder because it has worked before

2. Do not change your mind when disciplining her. It is very important to be consistent

3. Use your hands. Do not hit the dog, instead, gently reach out and take her muzzle firmly in your hand. The dog will try to shake you so take the collar in your other hand for better control. This will silence the barking and secondly it will reinforce your authority. You are showing the dog that you are a firm but kind leader who will not back down.

4. Exercise, exercise, exercise. This cannot be stressed enough. A lot of barking is nothing but nervous pent up energy. The dog should be walked at least 1 ½ hours every day. Of course the need for exercise varies with each dog depending on the size, breed, age or other conditions. In general, every dog should be walked every day.

5. Lastly another important reason for excessive barking is lack of attention. Dogs are social animals that need affection, attention and interaction. Leaving them alone for long periods of time will make them nervous and edgy without it.