Stop Dog Barking

Top of Your "To Do" List:

Often, when you are the owner of a barking dog, all you want it do is stop. Plain and simple.

But why do dogs bark in the first place? And what can be done about it?

We’ll look at those questions in this article. But first up, here’s something to think about:

Dogs bark.

It’s as inevitable as babies crying, roosters crowing and neighbors gossiping. Your dog’s bark is its voice. It’s trying to talk to you. It may not always be a pleasing sound, but it is what it is.

So just what is your dog trying to say to you?

Why Do Dogs Bark?

You may notice that some dog breeds bark more than others.

Rottweilers, Dobermans, and German Shepherds, are bred to warn of threats – real or imagined.

Sporting and hunting breeds like Beagles and Bloodhounds are trained to ‘bay’ when they smell a potential quarry.

And then there are the ‘chatty’ dogs that just have so much to say and so little time to say it in! Like the miniature poodle and other toy breeds.

All breeds have specific times when they need to bark. These will usually be when:

• She’s bored
• She’s lonely
• She’s hungry, or knows it’s time for a meal
• Something is wrong/someone is near the house
• She’s inviting you to play
• She sees or hears another animal
• She needs the toilet

At these times, your dog is behaving like…well, a dog. She’s just doing what comes naturally.

I’m not advocating ignoring your dog’s barking. Remember, our 'To Do' list today is 'Stop Dog Barking'!

When your dog is barking in an annoying way, then it's time to step up the dog obedience training.

Stop Dog From Barking

Barking can be a form of manipulation.

Your dog may not see you as the pack leader, so knows that if he barks enough, he'll get what he wants.

It's tempting to just completely ignore your dog at this point.

Your dog may give up after a while, or they may not.

Either way, you are not showing that it is you who is in control.

You need to stand where the dog can see you and "shush" them, firmly, but calmly.

The first time you do this they will probably only pause for an instant.

The moment they move their body to bark again, "shush" them again and then distract them.

Call them to you and do something with them. Not play, but something with you in command, like having them walk at your heel once around the yard.

Not convinced this will work?

Well, this will only work as part of a whole plan of action where you are asserting yourself as the boss of the dog.

If your dog has been barking a lot for a long time, then you have some serious habits to overcome.

The best thing you can do for yourself, your dog and your neighbors, is to call in the professionals.

Stop Dog Barking - Two Causes of Excessive Barking

What about barking that is repetitive and seems to have no focus?

The main cause of this annoying and unwanted barking is nervous, agitated energy. The simple remedy is exercise.

Most dogs need around one and a half hours of exercise every day. This will vary from dog to dog, depending on things like breed, age, and general level of health.

How can you tell if your dog is getting enough exercise?

If their barking comes with a lot of fidgeting, chewing, restlessness, and aggression, then you must provide more exercise.

Exercising your dog can be a big time commitment. You may be able to fit more in by:

• Using it as part of your own fitness regime.
• Sharing the role among the family members.
• Get up half an hour earlier.
• Hire a local teenager or professional dog walker.
• Make it irresistible fun by using a dog scooter.

The second most common cause of excessive barking is loneliness. Dogs are instinctively pack animals. They are most comfortable in a social group and need lots of attention, lots of interaction, and lots of communication.

When they are cut off from this they can become anxious and aggressive. So, if your dog is spending a lot of time barking at what appears to be nothing, she's probably bored and lonely. The only cure for this is a regular dose of affection and attention from their boss!

And that's YOU!


Learn exactly how to improve your relationship with your dog and STOP DOG BARKING from expert Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan.