How to Stop Your Dog Barking Incessantly Blog about Pet Animals from Animal Friends Insurance

How to Stop Your Dog Barking Incessantly

As annoying as it is, barking is natural behaviour for a dog. It is also the trait that owners struggle to deal with the most. However when a dog barks incessantly , it usually depicts that there is something wrong and that issue therefore needs to resolved first and foremost. This may be attributed to either the dog's development in the way of a bad habit, or because of the environment that the dog is in. But you must also remember that barking is an important communication method for dogs and cannot be eliminated completely. A bark can, among other things, alert someone to potential danger or harm. What is important is that you teach you dog to stop when they are told to.

Incessant barking can be related to boredom, stress, loneliness, and a need for attention. So one very easy way to control it is to ensure that you spend regular, sufficient and quality time with your dog, either playing or going for a walk. Lack of regular exercise and socialization often leads to excessive barking. Therefore it is essential that you take your dog for at least two walks a dayas well as providing mental stimulation that may include games, training and toys. All attention is good to a dog, even if it is negative, so they can learn that barking gets attention and once this is established it is difficult to correct.

One effective way to correct a dog or puppy is when a stranger comes to the door and the dog barks, immediately praise the puppy but then after two more barks, say "that's enough" or "stop", followed by a treat or toy to distract them from the barking and praise them again. Never shout or hit the dog as they may become more agitated and could develop aggressive behaviour and yet more barking.

Another method is to teach "speak" and "enough". Use their ability to show you that there is someone as the door. Sit down and say "speak"; as you say it knock on a table - they should then "woof" and go off to see what it is. Bring them back to you and repeat the action, therefore setting up the association, command (Speak), reaction (Woof), praise and then treat. And repeat again.

If your neighbours complain that your dog barks when you are out, ensure that there are plenty of toys and activities for the him to enjoy. Hide treats and toys around the house so they can hunt for them during their time alone. Always make sure that you take them for a long walk and play games when you arrive back home and before you leave again. Always try to make your time away as short as possible and praise the dog when you get home.

When training your dog to stop barking, you must ensure that you are consistent in your approach. Always respond the same way to barking. Otherwise thy will become confused if you chop and change your reactions. Always praise the dog when they are quiet or behave appropriately.

Other approaches you can try include crating your dog while you're out: they will be safe and comfortable if this is where they normally sleep and travel. Leave the radio or TV on, so there is a background sound for them to keep them company. If all else fails, you could always consider doggy day care.

It may also pay off to try turning your back from them or walking away or out of the room whenever your dog barks, so they know that they are not getting attention. They will soon learn that barking can be counter-productive. as with children, reward and praise is always the best motivator of good behaviour. It's important to praise your dog at the time rather than afterwards. This includes rewarding him when he stops barking, and also when he doesn't bark in a situation which would normally set him off. So when your dog is lying quietly with visitors, praise and reward will encourage the dog to remain quiet the next time.

It may sometimes be the case that deeper rooted barking behaviour in your dog would be better off referred to a dog trainer or vet. Always seek professional help if you feel that you are unable to resolve the problem yourself. Along with pet insurance , it is important for you and your friend that you follow good dog training practices: these will both give you peace of mind and reassurance so that you can have a long and happy life together.