Stop Barking Dog Tips
Dog barking is one of the most common complaints that neighbors have against neighbors and their dogs. Many cities and counties have passed stiff ordinances punishing owners for having dogs that engage in “nuisance barking. If you have a dog with a barking problem here are some ways to stop your barking dog.
1. Socialize your dog. Well-socialized dogs bark less. If your dog has a chance to go places, meet lots of friendly people and dogs, and see lots of new things, he will take a ho-hum attitude when things happen on his own street. He’ll be much less likely to spend his time being excited and wound up about trivial things.
Start socializing your puppy at a young age, if possible. Even if you have an adult dog, however, it’s never too late to work on socialization.
2. Exercise your dog. Dogs that get lots of exercise are more relaxed and happy. They don’t spend their time racing around the yard barking at nothing. They are more likely to spend their time napping when you’re not home. That means less barking.
Take your dog for long walks several times per week. Try to take your dog to a safe, enclosed area where he can get a good run. Consider going to a dog park where your dog can play with other dogs his size. All of these activities are good ways for your dog to use up a lot of energy.
3. Feed your dog an appropriate diet. This means feed your dog the right food for his lifestyle. Don’t feed your dog a high protein, high carb diet that provides more energy than your dog needs for his lifestyle as a pet dog.
Do read dog food labels. Educate yourself as a dog food consumer on your dog’s behalf. Become more savvy about what’s in dog foods so you can make wise decisions for your dog.
4. Provide your dog with plenty of toys and safe things to chew on when you’re not home with him. This will help keep him entertained and out of trouble. Bored dogs are more likely to bark.
There are many great interactive toys available these days. Look for toys that require your dog to do something in order to get a treat or reward. These toys can keep your dog entertained much longer than some of the simpler toys. But don’t overlook the old favorites either. A good chew toy is always welcome.
5. Use a shake can or water sprayer. These are simple methods to startle your dog into being quiet when he’s barking. A shake can is a metal can (or soft drink bottle) containing pennies. The pennies make a loud rattle when shaken. When your dog barks, shake the can at him to startle him into being quiet. As soon as your dog is quiet you should praise him and give him a reward. Or, use the water sprayer to startle him. As soon as he stops barking, praise him and give him a reward. Neither method is intended to punish your dog. You are getting his attention to make him stop barking. Then you can praise and reward him for the good behavior — being quiet.
Keep in mind that some breeds are more prone to barking than others. Shelties, Collies, Beagles, some other hounds such as Foxhounds, Coonhounds, Plotts, and some small dogs are much more prone to barking. Breeds used as guard dogs can also be prone to barking. You should try to take a breed’s barking into consideration before you get a dog. If you have neighbors who are likely to object to your dog’s barking, especially, try to get a dog that will be less likely to bark a lot.