Dog to stop barking

One of the main reasons people have dogs are because they love their comforting, fun and often amusing ways. Not to mention that they are very loyal. However, some people who own dogs have a natural tendency to rely on their dog as protection, guarding them against intruders and generally giving them a sense of safety for them and the household. Barking is the dog’s way to tell you that possible danger is about, or if they feel that their territory is being invaded.

Some dogs, however, get carried away and bark just for the sound of it. This can dilute the effectiveness of the signal, thus decreasing their usefulness as protector of the home. It can also become a nuisance sound for your neighbours and yourself. The dog must be taught to stop nuisance barking. The key is to teach your dog not to bark inappropriately, but not entirely stop barking.

If you experience the case where your dog has stepped in to the habit of nuisance barking, you have to break the habit. You need to figure out why your dog is barking and creating a nuisance, as it is not out of natural instinct, but rather some other reason. One of the most typical reasons dogs bark is out of boredome. If dogs are ignored or left alone for long periods of time, they might revert to barking as a way to get attention. As you know, dogs are very social animals and spending more time with your dog, taking long walks, playing and grooming, will all help your dog stop barking.

Another factor that relates to boredom is the lack of good dog toys. Have a visit to your local pet store and ask for suggestions on dog toys that are popular. My suggestion would be a Frisbee, that way both the dog and the owner can have fun together outside, a game which most probably will help tone down the nuisance barking.

It is important that you give these treatments and suggestions a couple of weeks before expecting a decrease in barking episodes. In cases where the unwanted barking persist, try keeping a log for a week or two, and take note of what happens right before the barking occurs. Can you spot a trend, something particular that sets it off? Often, when another dog in the neighbourhood barks, it sets off a chain reaction of barks from the other dogs nearby. This kind of barking is normal behaviour, and is a useful part of the dogs taking care of their territory.

I found the piece of advice below while reading about the subject, try it out and let me know the results:

“One strategy that can work is the old hand on the muzzle approach. Gently place your hands on his muzzle, closing his jaws, accompanied by a quite, “Shhh! No!” A bandanna or that familiar folded up newspaper can also be used to wrap around his muzzle for a moment, to quiet the barking.” Author unkown.

If you are not successful in teaching you dog to stop barking, it might be time call a vet and ask for advice. There might be other reasons for the barking.

Remember, there has to be a balance here. Teaching you dog to stop barking all together will strip him/her of their natural instincts, you want to leave the dog’s protective guard intact.