Barking is one of the least understood and most annoying dog behaviors. It can wreak havoc for dog owners and neighbors alike. Believe me, I know.
I have a little seven-pound rescue named Tater tot. When Tater first came to live with me, she kept herself quite busy impersonating Howard Cosell by giving the entire neighborhood a play-by-play account of every event. What a pro! Lovely for her – a pity for the rest of us.
Even after considerable training, Tater is extremely vocal. She barks when she is excited, when she wants something, when she is frustrated, and when she hears things. I don’t expect her to ever stop barking altogether. That would be unfair — after all she is a dog, and dogs need to bark. Now, however, she barks a few times and then quiets down. I suggest you make this your goal, as well. A zero-tolerance policy is pretty much doomed to failure.
The first step in addressing a barking problem is to find out why your dog is barking. The motivations for barking may include territorial behavior, alarm barking, demand barking, frustration, play behavior, separation anxiety, or plain old boredom.
You may have to deal with each type of barking differently. Some dogs (like Tater) have multiple triggers, which can make identification complicated. It may be wise to hire a professional trainer or behaviorist to help with the detective work and devise a behavior modification plan.
Most of the barking cases I see in my private practice are dogs that are bored. Many home-alone dogs become recreational barkers to help pass the time. Dogs do not do well with social isolation, especially young, active dogs. Arrange a canine play date for your dog, or hire a dog walker to get him out of the house during the day while you’re at work. Anything you do to provide social outlets for your dog’s energy will help cut down on his barking.
While fixing stubborn barking problems calls for professional guidance, there are some things you can do on your own that may help:
What To Do
Prevent your dog from seeing or hearing things that cause barking. For example, if he barks at people passing by the front of the house, keep the front drapes closed or confine him to another part of the house. You can also leave the radio or television on to muffle outside sounds.
Disconnect the phone ringer or doorbell if they are triggers.
Exercise your dog! He’ll be more likely to sleep the afternoon away after a good, tongue-dragging walk or a vigorous game of fetch.
Hire a dog walker. A tired dog is less likely to engage in extra-curricular barking.
If possible, take your dog to work with you a few days a week, or take him to a doggie daycare on long workdays.
Enroll him in an obedience class to stimulate his mind.
Enrich his environment by stuffing his breakfast inside Kong toys. You can even use a KongTime toy-dispensing machine for all day fun.
Reward your dog when he doesn’t bark at times that he normally would, such as when someone enters your building.
Ask your neighbors how often and how long he barks. It’s information you need for your training plan, and the neighbors will appreciate that you are addressing the issue.
What NOT To Do
Don’t yell at your dog for barking. He’ll think you’re joining in, which will make the problem worse.
Resist the urge to buy a bark collar. Bark collars are not the right solution to every barking problem and may malfunction, causing nasty side effects. If you insist on using one, get professional advice and be very judicious in its use.
Most dogs can learn to control their barking, at least to some degree. Tater and I have arrived at a truce. She’s quiet when I ask, and I allow her to bark her little head off at appropriate times. Everyone can enjoy her fabulous running commentaries on the beach!
We now live in peace and harmony… well, for the most part.
East Bay dog trainer Sandi Thompson had already finished this piece for Bay Woof when the unthinkable happened. Her beloved canine companion and training partner, Tater tot, was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer and died on May 9th. Our thoughts are with you, Sandi (and with Tater, too, wherever she may be). -Ed.
Sandi Thompson, CPDT, has been a professional trainer for 20+ years. She and Tater tot have taught Sirius puppy classes together for nearly 15 years. She offers private lessons through her business, BRAVO! Dog Training. Sandi was named 2006 National Trainer of the Year by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
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