If your dog barks from time to time, there’s no need to panic, it’s a natural behavior. However, if they bark excessively, this can be bothersome for both you and your neighbors. If you’re wondering how to stop it, this article will teach you what you need to do.
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Prevent your dog from barking excessively
When dogs are stimulated, stressed, nervous, or bored, they bark. In cases like these, it isn’t useful to punish them. This will only make the problem worse or make them aggressive. To calm them down, give them a toy or a treat. This method works well when you pass by other dogs during walks. This is because they will start to understand that if they behave correctly, they are rewarded a treat. We also recommend the following approaches to prevent your dog from barking excessively.
Distance your dog from the source of stress
When dogs bark excessively, they are most likely going through something stressful. If this is the case, it is best to put them in a room that is far from noise or strangers. While this solution is not always possible, it is still useful when trying to reduce short-term barking, as well as barking that is a greeting or alarm.
Install a privacy screen or keep your curtains closed
Alarm or territorial barking takes place when the animal hears something that attracts their attention. It’s the main reason they bark excessively when they find themselves in front of a window or along the fence. To prevent this, install a privacy screen. Do you have a large garden? If you do, don’t hesitate to plant hedges. For the indoors, you can keep your curtains closed or use plastic film to make your windows opaque.
Create a peaceful area for your dog
Your dog’s relaxation area should be set up away from areas where you typically find them barking. It can be an area or a cushion where they like to keep their favorite toys. As another solution, you can turn on a fan or radio to mask outside noise.
Treat your dog’s nervousness
Sometimes dogs bark excessively when you leave the house. This is usually because they suffer from separation anxiety. In cases like these, don’t hesitate to ask a specialist to help you solve the problem. These experts know how to desensitize dogs to their owners’ departure. A dog trainer is a great option.
Teach your dog to not bark in your absence
When you teach your dog, you need to teach them to master their barking. There are a few different methods to prevent your dog from barking excessively. They can be used individually or you can use a mix of different techniques.
Use positive reinforcement
Does your dog bark excessively and then stop randomly? Jump on the occasion to say “shh” or “shh, good job” and give them a treat. This technique is positive reinforcement that allows them to understand that if they are quiet, they can get a reward.
Wait for your dog to stop themselves
Does your dog stay behind the door and bark for you to open it? If this happens, you should wait until they are calm. Once they are silent, open the door and say “shh”, then give them a treat. Remember to be patient. Your dog could bark excessively before understanding what they are supposed to do.
Create an element of surprise if your dog barks excessively
You probably know this scene very well: your dog barks excessively behind the gate. Once you notice this, throw a metallic box filled with stones or a water bottle close to your dog. However, it’s important to make sure that your dog does not see you. The goal is to create an element of surprise to instantly stop them from barking. Then, take advantage of this occasion to tell them “shh” or “shh, good job” and reward them with a treat or affection.
Introduce an unpleasant element
Are you on a walk and your dog is barking excessively for an unjustified reason? You should try pulling on their leash and saying “shh”. If you don’t get the desired result, when your dog barks, spray water on their muzzle and tell them to be quiet.
A few errors to avoid
If you want your dog to lose this habit, stop giving them attention when it isn’t necessary. Our furry friends like to be the center of attention and they will do all that it takes for us to look at them and talk to them. To prevent your dog from barking excessively, we recommend learning to distinguish your dog’s barks. This will allow you react in the right way depending on the case. As dogs cannot communicate to use through speech, they can only warn you about an event through barking. Even if this behavior is normal and instinctive, your dog needs to understand that you understand them and there is no reason to insist.
Do not hesitate to contact a canine behaviorist if you need additional help or advice. Good luck!
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