Barking Dog Control-Lesson 7
Barking is a dog’s way of communicating and when your dog is barking, there
is often a reason for him doing so. Your dog may be barking for a number of
reasons, such as boredom, excitement or to alert you to something that he
can hear but you can’t.
Barking is a problem that can usually be relatively easy to overcome. This
is especially true if your dog receives a lot of attention, has a lot of
toys to play with to stop him from getting bored and is getting the right
amount of exercise.
As an owner, you could start with simple methods of training using your
dog’s collar and lead. When your dog begins to bark, give a firm tug on the
lead and tell him ‘no’ in a stern voice. Hopefully your dog will realise
that when he barks he will be punished and eventually his barking should
stop.
Barking Dog Control
However, if this simple method of training does not work, you may have
to use more advanced methods of training in order for his barking to stop.
Many of you may find that your dog barks when you are not there. This could
be because your dog is bored or because he misses you. To solve this
problem, try leaving the radio on when you go out, on a station where the
presenters are talking for the majority of the time.. By hearing these
voices, your dog may be convinced that you are still in the house and his
barking will stop.
If this fails and your dog still continues to bark, record a normal family
conversation using a continuous tape, using the word ‘no’ a couple of times
throughout the recording. Put this tape on when you go out and because your
dog will think that you are still there, he won’t bark because he knows it’s
wrong and doesn’t want to be told off.
If Methods Fail
If all other methods fail, one day pretend that you are going out. Make it
convincing by jangling your keys and shutting and locking the front door, as
dogs are very perceptive and can pick up on your emotions. Have a slice of
lemon to hand and when your dog begins to bark, open the door and squeeze a
couple of drops of lemon juice on his tongue. Your dog won’t like the bitter
taste and will stop barking immediately. This method may have to be carried
out a couple of times in order for your dogs barking to stop but it is worth
the time and effort in the long run.
Over time, you should be able to stop your dog’s barking by just telling him
‘no’ in a firm voice which leads to a calmer, happier environment
and neighbors who love your dog rather than reach for the ear plugs all day!
