How to Stop a Dog from Barking Excessively

Introduction:

I will be showing you a foolproof method to stop your dog from barking excessively. I have dealt with many cases of barking dogs over the years and i will be teaching you (from experience) some of the measures to take in order to stop your dog from barking inappropriately (at day or night).

Why is the Dog Barking?

Asking why dogs bark is like asking why humans speak? A simple answer to that question would be, 'to communicate thoughts, feelings, ideas and even fear'. However, we all know that some people talk too much (we even call such people "talkative") while some are men/women of few words (by the way, you may choose whatever word you want to categorize such). My point is, it’s the same in dogs as in humans. Just as there are dogs that bark excessively, there are also dogs that seldom bark (I’ve dealt with both cases). Some say that barking may even have something to do with the kind of dog breed you have (terriers, beagles etc. tend to be barkers, studies have shown).

"Why does my dog bark for no reason?"

Dogs like to bark. It's in their nature to bark (and they won't apologize for doing so). Barking makes them feel powerful and in control of their surroundings. However, barking (especially inappropriately) can be a nuisance that you may want to control in order to keep a happy dog and household. By training your dog to "speak‟ on command he will be less likely to do it without being instructed to do so. Barking is your dogs' warning system, so if he barks when he wants in or to alert you, praise him for one bark. This should teach him that barking once gets your affection but barking excessively only gets him ignored.

   "He isn't barking just to annoy you"

Let's get something straight, dogs seldom bark to intentionally annoy the owner. So never punish them for barking (only control them). Now, if dogs were humans, it would be a lot easier to correct them (it would be easy to just say "hey you don't have to bark at the mailman." "you don't have to bark at people walking by the fence' 'you don't have to bark at my friends when they come over'). Sadly, that won't work on them.

So the question you may have is, how do i communicate to my dog and get him to behave the way i want him to (in this case, meaning to stop excessive barking).  Well, i think a better question to that is, why is my dog barking? To control barking in your dog, first you need to understand why he is barking and the truth is, dogs usually bark for a reason. Finding that reason might just be the key to controlling the bark.

Now, here are some reasons a dog may bark and the corresponding control measures you should take.

Reason 1: Territorial Instinct/Behavior

Dogs, like their distant cousins, the wolves, are territorial in nature. Thus, it is not inappropriate for a dog to bark at a perceived intruder/treat or another dog encroaching into his or her territory.  Many people experience the problem of their dog barking whenever someone walks by the front window of their home. Dogs do this because they are territorial, when they bark at people walking by; their intention is to scare them away. Any person who is just walking by your house will continue their walk because; obviously they are not scared of a dog that is inside the house. Your dog does not understand this concept. He thinks that because the person continued to walk, that he must have scared them away. This enforces his idea that the barking works, so he will continue to do it. Some dog owners might, unwittingly, be encouraging such behavior. Like when they hear their dog barking at someone (probably outside the house), they scurry down stairs yelling at the dog and even at the intruder in some case. Dog interprets that as an approval or correct response. Yelling at the dog or intruder won't help the matter.

Control Measure to take:

 The best way to manage this behavior is to teach your puppy that his barking, in fact, does not work. You will need to enlist the help of some friends who are not familiar with your dog to teach him not to bark. Have those people walk by your house when the dog is looking. When he starts barking they should stop and continue standing in front of your house. The dog will quickly realize that his barking did not work, but also that someone on the sidewalk is not a threat.  

Training a dog not to bark can be tricky, since dogs are also a good warning system should someone come into our home uninvited. There is a fine line between teaching your dog to behave and still allowing him to be protective of you and your home. When the puppy exhibits behaviors that are meant to protect you and your family, or his pack, reward him with praise. He should learn the difference between this and unwanted behavior fairly quickly.

Reason 2: Alarm/fear

Some dogs get startled easily, so their basic reaction is to bark. As humans we could see someone and our instinct will tell us that that's a really bad guy. It might be because of the way they dress or how mean they look. Just as humans, it could happen to dogs as well. But in a cases where a dog barks to every sound he hears, usually in a startled manner, that's what we call fear bark. It could be as a result of a post traumatic experience (in some cases). It could also be sheer timidity.

Control Measure to take:

If your dog barks out of fear, don't yell at him as that will only reinforce the bad behavior. Teach him obedience, make him relax. You can even arrange for some friends to come over, probably in batch. Have the first batch approach while you stand beside the dog. If the dog starts barking, make him calm while they still approach. Give him a treat if he stays calm and relaxed.

Have the second batch come in, this time while you stand some distant away from the dog and watch his reaction. If he barks, ask your friends to keep coming and the dog will probably retreat towards your direction (his safety nest). Calm him. Have your friends pet him and give him a treat. Take him outside and have the third batch come around. If he barks at them, they should stand still and when he stops barking, they should slowly approach. If he remains calm, they should throw him a treat. They should only throw him a treat when he stops barking, so that he doesn't think that the barking was what earns him the treat. If he barks he doesn’t get a treat, when he stop barking he gets a treat. This can make him start associating people with good intention. He will quickly learn that people aren't that bad after all. This training might take a while before he master it, be patient and supportive. Do not encourage your dog to bark at people. You may be setting a bad habit in motion and he may become suspicious and even fearful of people, which may result into him barking at odd situations and strangers without you telling him to.

Reason 3: Boredom/Loneliness

Some dogs can bark out of boredom. They bark at night because they are lonely, or because they heard the neighbor’s dog barking. My neighbor’s dog, Rambo, used to do that a lot. Whenever the owner is away (and he is always away), the dog keeps barking both day and night (especially at night). Other neighbors started to complain and even threaten to report. Some thought the dog was suffering from some barking disorder. But, it was sheer boredom. Loneliness sucks, even for dogs. Dogs, like their distant ancestors, the wolves, are social animals. They do appreciate some company.

Control Measure to take:

Here is how my neighbor solved the problem. I asked him to get another dog. He did and case solved. Well, that went smoothly, didn't it? However, the two dogs had some issues to settle (it took days) before they finally called it truce and lived happily ever after.

The simple solution to solving boredom is getting a company. I'm not asking you to go get another dog if you don't want to, all I’m saying is for you to get someone to stay with your puppy if you must be away for long, or if you always return home from work very late at night (exhausted and sleepy, like my neighbor). However, this may not necessarily solve the case of your dog barking at night whenever he hears the neighbor’s dog barking, especially if he is left outdoor. Bringing him indoor or/and teaching him to "speak on command' should help curb the situation.

Reason 4: Greeting/pay

Some dogs might get so emotional when they see the owner, especially if he had been away for a while, and that could get the dog wagging his tail and even barking just to express his happiness. Dogs can also bark during moments of excitement when they play, nothing wrong with that unless it becomes excessive.

Control Measure to take:

You have to let the dog know that barking excessively will only get him to be ignored. If he barks excessively when you return home, ignore him. Reward him with praise and treat if he barks only once. When he barks excessively during play, stop the play. When he stop barking praise him and resume the day, this will teach him that barking will only cost him a playtime with you and soon he will adjust.

Reason 5: Attention seeking

Dog can bark just to get the attention of the owner. It could be that he wants to go potty, or want you to fill the water or feed dispenser or perhaps just want you to keep him company.

Control Measures to take:

You have to be careful how you handle this situation or else you could be teaching the dog to bark whenever he needs something. Don't go immediately to do the dog's bidding. wait for him to stop barking, or alternatively, shake coins in an empty soda can, foghorns, or other noisemakers to startle the dog while he is barking. When he is startled, he stops barking, and at that point, you can attend to his needs. Don't give the dog an impression that he earned your attention by barking or else he will keep doing that and think it works. The idea is to teach him to communicate his needs to you without barking. Barking once is fine though.