The Irritating and Attention-Seeking Dog Who Barks

photo by Miss Chien, Flickr

Undoubtedly a barking dog is one of the most irritating factors to not only the pet owner but also to those who live around such a pet.  Excessive barking without reason such as when a perceived threat is missing may cause the dog to become a “chronic” barker much to the consternation and dismay of the pet owner who begins to receive calls from the neighbors about their unruly pet.

The impressionable puppy

Because a dog may have learned as a young pup that its owners were pleased when the dog barked at either a doorbell or some alleged threat, it may continue to do so well into adulthood even when the “threatening” components are missing.  Because doggy rationale is barking equals welcome attention from humans, its barking is frequently difficult to “cure” once the habit is ingrained.

Why your dog barks

Various possible reasons dogs bark are the lonely dog, the provoked dog, and the chance that they are suffering from a physical illness or pain and separation anxiety. Of course, you will first rule out the extraneous reasons for barking, and then you can commence to train the dog.

The possible solution

The following method is highly regarded:  When a puppy barks at a perceived threat, praise the puppy but after a few barks clap your hands loudly and add a loud  “Stop!” or “Enough!”  Or a horn can sound after the first barks, also using a “Quiet” or some such command.

Water guns

Water guns or squirt bottles are also highly recommended.  They will definitely get the dog’s attention and combined with the sound of your displeasure using the stop, enough or quiet commands this method can be efficaciously utilized.

Playing with toys

If the reason for the dog barking is that it is bored, giving the canine a number of toys may be enough to cure the barking.  Make sure that you, at first play with the animal so that it senses that these items it’s being presented with are in actuality toys and not your personal items.

Another possibility

A dog that is tired, yet relaxed, will take to learning better when taught how to stay quiet, therefore play with your dog as part of the training to cease barking.

Consistency is the key

Be sure and give the dog the same reaction to excessive barking and reward the dog for good behavior.  Yelling or belittling the dog without consistency will only lead to a confused dog that will probably bark even more due to the confusion.  Be sure and also praise the dog when it is quiet.  Dogs are extremely intelligent and soon your dog will be well mannered and will restrain excessive barking just to please you.

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