It doesn’t matter how big your dogs bark is or how old your dog is because no matter what you will see that you must get your dogs bark under control. It is an instinct for a dog to bark, but there are ways that you can get it under control and stop annoying bark behavior.
There are a number of things to keep in mind when you want to stop your dog from barking. It is always good to keep in mind that you may have to try different methods to find the one that works. You just have to stick with it.
You want to figure out why your dog is barking to begin with. You will find that your dog barks for a reason, but some of those reasons may not be obvious. One of the top reasons for a dog barking is to alert you to something.
For most dogs, puppies especially, barking is a way to get attention. Some dogs will also bark when startled. However, the most common reason for barking is simply out of boredom or due to feeling lonely. A dog often barks to draw people to him because he feels alone. A bored dog barks just to let off some energy.
It is helpful to understand what kind of barker your dog is. Think about their habits. Has your dog always been a barker? In an older dog there may be more to think about. Do keep in mind that it is not impossible to retrain an old dog and stop his barking. It just takes commitment.
Many people first react by yelling at the dog, but this does not work. When you yell you could startle your dog or even frighten him. He could also think you are playing. Instead choose a word that you want to use as a command to use to stop barking. It should be something that everyone in the family uses. Something like enough or quiet can be a great choice. You can also use a spray bottle to spritz your dog. It can surprise the dog and make the problem work but in many cases it will help the dog associate barking with an unpleasant experience which can work.
Since loneliness and boredom are often cases of barking you should think about this. Do you spend enough time with your dog? When he barks go to him and see if that stops it. If your dog feels happy and secure then he will not be as likely to bark when he is alone. Just make sure there is regular interaction with the family and the dog. Help him be happy. Dogs are naturally inclined to be in groups because they are pack animals, so it feel unnatural for him to be alone.
If you are stumped by your dog’s barking, speak with your veterinarian or another animal care specialist. This can offer you some insight that you did not have before. It is possible to train your dog off of barking, so don’t give up.
