Along with a dog come a new playmate, friend, and family member. However, dogs also bring along the need for a lot of attention, time, and patience. Dogs bring with them their own way of communication: barking. Most dogs bark, and depending on the breed and size of your dog, it can range from a loud bark, to a yappy one. Barking is one thing that many people do not think of training their dog not to do unless necessary. All dogs will need to be trained. Many people train their dogs to be housebroken, as well as teaching them not to destroy items around the home, but when it comes to barking, it is almost overlooked.
Why do dogs bark?
Dogs sometimes seem to bark at anything and everything. Some bark at the mailman, while others bark at a visiting friend. However, dogs bark for a certain reason, and depending on the pitch and tone, are trying to express something to you. For example, a dog that barks continuously is probably trying to alert you of something. Maybe your dog just barks once or twice, more than likely he is greeting you. Some dogs will howl, or bark at an extremely high pitch when they are hurt.
It is extremely important to know why your dog is barking. Try to listen and identify the kind of sound your dog’s bark lets out. Though most dogs bark for a reason, some just like to bark at anything. Even if your dog barks at the neighbor or a visiting friend, it can be extremely frustrating to try to end the barking.
You have probably noticed that some dogs bark when a stranger passes by. This is the dogs warning, but even though the warning is a great one, the barking can become an issue if it is excessive. In the case of dogs barking excessively, it’s vital that you know how to train your dog to stop barking, especially at anything or anyone that crosses its path.
What’s the best way to correct a dogs barking problem?
If you notice that your dog is barking excessively, one way to fix the problem, if the dog is still a puppy, is to startle him each time he barks. A can with pennies or beans in it will cause a loud noise, which will scare the puppy into being quiet. Be sure to award him when quiet. If you notice that your dog is barking for attention, when barking, completely ignore the dog, he will eventually understand that barking does not earn attention.
If your dog is older, it will be much harder to replace an old habit with a new one. Some people to stop their dogs barking use bark collars. These send a small, harmless shock to the dog when he barks. They do work, but should only be used in extreme situations. A professional trainer can also prove to be extremely helpful.
It’s important to remember that dogs bark, and often do so for a good reason. Even if you train your dog to not bark at certain things, he may make a mistake, or he might begin barking at something new. In any case, you can’t silence a dog’s bark, so it is best to be understanding and know that you trained your dog to listen, and not to be silent.
