How To Stop Dog Barking

Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, and humans have molded and bred dogs into what we want as "Man's Best Friend." Why are they still barking? There are desirable traits bred into each dog, but barking

is a trait that, when appreciated at times, becomes undesirable when expressed too often.

So why do they bark?

All the noise a dog makes, including barking, is his means of communication. A bark is typically short, sharp sounds that do not vary in pitch and intensity. It is his way of saying "Hey!" and can express fear, territory protection,

an alert to danger, or some urgent need (Check the food and water!). Barking is a product of a state of excitement or fear. Barking is not a problem unless it becomes excessive.

Excessive barking causes.

Excess barking has a variety of causes. Some breeds (Terriers!) just bark more than others. Whatever the breed, your dog can still bark to excess. There is some external factor that is causing the barking, and you must

determine what it is if you hope to cure the problem.

Confinement can be a significant reason for problem barking. Leaving your dog too long in his crate, or locked in a room, tied up outside, or even kept in a yard without proper shelter from the elements causes frustration

which leads to barking. Not getting enough exercise can also result in pent up energy which is released through barking

Normal sounds can also trigger barking. The barking of other dogs, The doorbell (big at my house), the sound of a car, Voices of unfamiliar people (a pox on the early am joggers!), thunder or fireworks, the telephone can start

the dogs on a flurry of barking. Birds, squirrels, lizards or cats that come into view out the window can do it as well. Sometimes, noises that would not start your dogs barking in the daytime, may trigger him at night. Strangers,

or non-family friends coming into your home may receive a good barking-to as well. Some dogs are just barkers by temperament.

Solutions

First, determine the cause of the barking. Is it confinement, lack of exercise, noises in the neighborhood? Confinement and lack of exercise are easily cured. Be sure your dog has adequate space to move around, and be

sure he gets enough exercise each and every day.

If the barking is in response to environmental noises, or due to temperament, direct behavior training methods can be used. These tools include training using a verbal cue such as "No!", and a pull on the leash. Never ever

yell at your dog, as he will equate it with barking and will join you to bark even more. Remember that the training must occur during the unwanted behavior so that your dog associates the two together, then be sure to praise

him when he stops barking.

There are many indirect ways to deter your dog from barking. Squirt him with water when he barks (messy indoors), bark activated shock collars (drastic and not recommended, but good if he barks when you are gone), loud

or unpleasant noises (coffee can with a dozen pennies inside – shake when barking occurs, ultrasound device you control) that break the bark cycle. These devices can be controlled by you, or triggered by your dog's barking.

The last resort, when everything else has been tried, and I do NOT like this procedure, is to surgically remove all or part of the vocal cords.

Solving the barking problem starts with a determination of the most likely cause of the excessive barking. Once you have that, you can tailor your behavior modification activities to fit. It's tough to modify an instinctual behavior

like barking, but it can be done by combining the right techniques with plenty of love and patience. It is definitely worth it.