Dog Barking

Barking is one of a dog's four ways to communicate. It can serve as a warning, particularly if a stranger or some form of danger is present. Or it can be a nuisance, as when the dog barking is simply because it's bored. Let's face it—barking almost always rewards your dog with some form of attention.

Occasional barks are not a problem but nuisance barking is. It can not only disrupt your activities, including sleep if he barks throughout the night, but it can cause some very real problems for you if your dog barking angers your neighbors. Dog barking, like all potentially undesirable behaviors in your dog, must be addressed as early as possible. The longer you wait, the less likely your dog will unlearn what has now become a Bad Habit.

If your dog is barking during the night, it usually means he is bored and not sufficiently tired to sleep. That means he needs more activity, mental as well as physical, to tire him out during the day. Larger dogs in particular are difficult to physically tire but what you may not realize is that mental tiredness is equally if not more exhausting than physical tiredness. You can use this to stop your dog barking.

Spending time with your dog doing obedience training can be as effective as vigorous play. Obedience training, which should always be done in short bursts when you begin, rather than long sessions, requires a dog to concentrate, and tires him mentally. And this is just the added benefit to ultimately having a well-trained dog. Pretty soon you'll have that dog barking under control. It's a win-win situation!

There are several ways to deter your dog from unnecessary barking. Start simply with a sharp, "NO!" every time he barks. Get louder if he doesn't respond. For some dogs, this is all it takes. If your dog ignores you (and that means your dog doesn't have much RESPECT for you), try sealing some small pebbles or pennies inside a tin can and give it a vigorous shake near your dog every time he barks. Often, this will startle him sufficiently to stop your dog barking and focus on you.

If your dog is barking incessantly during the day, you need to determine just what it is that's causing him to bark. Is it the daily visit by the mailman opening and closing your mailbox? Perhaps it's children nearby playing and shouting. Or perhaps it happens every time a person walks by your home. By recreating this situation repeatedly (having someone assist you by, for example, ringing the doorbell, will make it easier) and then

Applying an Effective Deterrent Will Soon
Have Your Dog's Barking Under Control.

For more detailed information on how to stop your dog barking, and other great tips and helpful hints on training your dog you can sign up (at the top right of the page) for our revealing, Free e-book, Dog Training and Dog Obedience Tips where you will Discover how to turn your Disobedient, Noisy and Frustrating dog into a well behaved member of the family that you can be PROUD of and others will ADMIRE!