Stop Your Dog Barking With Knowledge And Technique

An understanding of the causes can help you stop your dog barking problems, because when you know the causes, you can formulate a strategy to combat them.

Every dog barks. Most excessive barking can be controlled through training methods. If your dog's barking is a reaction to a stimulus--for example, someone walking by--and ceases when the stimulus is gone, it can be remedied.

It's a completely natural behavior. While some instinctive behaviors are difficult to correct through training, barking isn't.

You see, your dog's barking is due to his instinct to protect and defend a territory. But his instincts can be reasoned with in this case, because they also tell him that the territory isn't his so much as it is yours. Once he completely understands that it's not his job to be territorial, he'll be glad to give up the responsibility.

Completely eliminating barking can't be your goal, however, because your dog will be confused and rebellious if he can't bark at all. Remember that it's acceptable for him to bark a few times in order to announce something. All he wants is for you to notice the 'threat.' So long as it's not excessive, and he isn't behaving in an overtly aggressive manner, it's okay. If he is barking too much, or too aggressively, you need to begin training sessions to address it before it gets out of hand.

This can be done by teaching him a new command which tells him to stop barking. Most people use 'quiet' as the command. It doesn't mean he shouldn't ever bark; it just means that he needs to stop right now. He'll become more relaxed about his 'territory' over time, and in the meantime, your stress level will go down too.

To teach him to respond to the command, you need three things. First, training treats, in your pocket or out of sight for the time being. Second, something that will distract your dog from barking. It must be a powerful distraction, but shouldn't be something that frightens him (that will only make barking worse later). And third, a planned stimulus that will cause him to bark--a friend knocking on your door, for example.

Have your friend knock. Allow your dog to bark a few times, an acceptable amount for 'announcing' that someone is at the door. Then, distract him from barking. For many dogs, spritzing him with water from a spray bottle will work perfectly. When he looks at you, say, "Quiet." Then pop a treat in his mouth--before he gets the chance to remember he was barking.

Then, have the 'guest' come in and praise the dog to reinforce the good behavior. Eventually he'll accept that when you say it's okay, it really is okay. He doesn't need to keep barking, and his master has a handle on the situation.

Practice the command often, and your dog will come to comprehend that he should never bark more than two or three times at once.

Unfortunately there is another type of barking which is not so easily dealt with. Barking non-stop when there's no identifiable reason for it--often when you're away from home could be due to a psychological or emotional condition and you consider getting some more in depth training for this.There are a number of online guides available Punishing him for this type of barking may only worsen his emotional and psychological state.

Dog training is not about forcing your will on the dog. You're already in charge of your dog. In the case of barking, as with most behavior issues, your best strategy is to outsmart the behavior by understanding the relevant causes, and then address them with proper training.

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Martin Moore writes on dog training topics. For more information and great in depth dog training advice visit stop your dog from barking

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