Of the variety of troublesome behaviors that a dog can display, one that can be especially irritating is a dog barking problem. All sorts things can cause a dog to bark, and it’s necessary to identify the exact reason so that the problem can be dealt with effectively. In all cases, barking is the result of some type of environmental factor. For example, a dog may bark to demonstrate its dominance over other dogs or animals in the area. Or the dog may bark to declare its territorial borders. And it may bark just because it likes to bark. A lack of socialization with other dogs, causes certain dogs to develop a barking problem, but for other dogs, they find that barking is a way to achieve their demands.
Curing the Problem
Many dog owners just make the barking problem worse by rewarding their dog when the barking stops; of course, this kind of negative attention is only a short-term fix. A dog must understand that barking is not suitable conduct and will not be tolerated, nor rewarded, in any way. When an owner shouts at their dog for their barking, this only reinforces their behavior and is a form of negative attention. If an owner lets a dog in the house that has been constantly barking outside, this also sends the message that such behavior will be tolerated – and the behavior will just continue and probably get worse. If a dog is given consolation for barking or given a treat to placate him, these are also forms of negative reinforcement for the dog barking issue.
Problem barking can be corrected through several dog training techniques. One technique involves remaining indifferent to the barking when he starts up at the doorbell or ringing telephone. You should show the dog that the sound of the ringing doorbell or phone, is no cause for alarm, and you can do this by not getting up immediately when these sounds happen. During your dog training period, it’s a good idea to let the phone and doorbell ring frequently so that the dog can grow accustomed to the sound. Eventually, it won’t react when it hears household sounds.
There are also methods for stopping dog barking problems that occur when the owner is away from the house. The first way is to be sure your dog has always had plenty of exercise and is surrounded by enough toys, which will keep it busy and calm. Do not immediately give attention to a dog that was barking while you were out, wait until he has stopped, and is in a calmer state, before you give him any attention. Bark collars or loud sounds are acceptable negative responses to use when your dog is barking, and praise should be given when he is not barking.
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