Resolving Dog Barking Issues - Complete Canine Training

Behavior Problem -
Barking
by Tracy Atkins, CDT, CDTA, PDTI
Complete Canine Training, LLC
281-825-6404 www.YESPUP.com

QUIET!" You yell from the doorway at 3:00 am. "Buddy" (names have been changed to protect the innocent) the neighbor's dog is at it again. His deep German Shepherd bark allows him to be heard throughout the neighborhood. Feelings of hate and resentment run through your head as you stub your toe on your way back to bed. Just as you begin to doze off, Buddy chimes in again. You resist the temptation to get up and yell again, in the hopes he might settle down and sleep. When your alarm goes off just a few hours later you know something must be done about Buddy. But what?

Over at Buddy's house, his owners have learned to sleep through his nighttime ritual. They know it exists but don't know what to do about it. They fear for the future day when a citation is written because they know it means they may have to give Buddy away. So until someone complains, they decide to ignore his barking in the hopes that he will eventually learn to be quiet.

One of the biggest misconceptions about barking is that it can't be stopped. Whether you are the owner or a neighbor, a barking dog can make you feel out of control and helpless.

If you have ever had to deal with a barking dog, you aren't alone. The most frequent calls received by animal control are complaints about barking dogs. It is an irritating problem that we either eliminate or learn to accept. Actually, barking happens for many reasons. The great part is that in most cases, barking is simple to curb or eliminate!

First off, if you're a neighbor, read this article so that you know how you might help. Then give it to the owner of the barking dog in hopes that s/he see's this as a sign that you want to help, not complain.

Dogs bark for many reason's and that makes it difficult to stop without some training help. Dogs bark for communication, protection, fear, aggression, boredom, attention, stating sexual prowess, even joy. The key is finding the motivation behind your dog's problem barking behavior. Here we have outlined some ways for you to control or eliminate your dog's barking behavior.

Protection, boredom and sexual frustrations are the most common reasons for problem barking. Many people have dogs because they want to ward off intruders. Therefore eliminating barking seems to be counterproductive to having a dog. However, it is actually very simple to have a dog bark on command, even "quiet" on command. When your dog is barking, give him a word association by saying "who's there?" Most dogs will begin to associate the words with barking within just a few weeks. In order to get a quiet command, just wait until the dog stops barking and say "quiet". Again, within a few weeks the dog should have the association between barking and being quiet to word commands. This doesn't decrease protective barking; it just put's control over when and where it happens.

Boredom is another major cause of barking. Dogs can get very lonely and bored when the owner is not present which is why many dogs bark when owners are not home. If this is the case, then train your dog to occupy himself by teaching him to chew on appropriate items. Select a few durable toys like a Kong or Nylabone. Fill the toy with a hard biscuit or soft dog food, freeze it and give it to the dog to lick at and chew. After all, if the mouth is busy chewing, it can't be barking!

Exercise your dog. Daily exercise reduces stress and energy. Play ball or go for a walk, whatever you and your dog enjoy! If you can't walk your dog on leash, get training. Yespup and Complete Canine Training offers single leash walking sessions where you can learn the skills or find the right equipment to help you have control and pleasure for you and your dog - in just ONE session in most cases!
Training your dog to respond to simple commands like sit, down, come, stay, go to bed and tricks help to tire him mentally. Training also teaches owners to identify and reward good behavior.

Hormones, may play a huge part in inappropriate barking. Unneutered male dogs, may become extremely sexually frustrated due to the fact they can smell females in heat up to twelve miles away. Spaying or neutering your pet eliminates sexual frustration. (Note that breeding your untrained dog will usually only lead to further frustration and barking.)

Diet can also play a part in your dog barking behavior. Over-stimulating the system with higher nutrient counts than required, can lead to nervous energy. This can result in anxious barking. Dogs over ten months old may be fed a premium adult dog food. It will have the nutrients needed, but not exceed what the dog can use. Keep in mind, the higher the protein, the more energy to get rid of, so if barking and anxious behaviors are an issue with your dog, you may want to avoid "hi-protien" foods.

Barking for attention is also a problem. Unfortunately, we usually reinforce barking, because we incorrectly assume that scolding or disciplining it will eliminate it. While discipline may work to eliminate other causes of barking, it won't work for attention issues. So if your dog barks at you for attention, ignore him. Put a blanket over his crate, or make him sit to come inside, instead of bark. Then work on building up your bond with your dog is an emotionally healthy way to by teaching him appropriate ways to engage you, like doing tricks or settling for petting or grooming.

Sometimes "No-Bark" collars are the only option (ie: owners gone for the day, apartment living, etc) Available from most pet supply stores and online retailers, average prices range from $40 up to $150, depending on type, style and features. The biggest drawback to using a no bark collar is that the dog must wear it any time they are likely to bark. Also, many dog will learn when the collar is on, and when it isn't!

If choosing a no-bark collar, we suggest one which allows one bark without correction, but if barking continues the collar with then emit a correction. Sensitive dogs may be trained with "static" or "tone" or even "spray of citrus" collar. However, more severe barkers may need a combination off all of the below checklist items and a collar. "No Bark" collars rarely work without some additional training.

What can you do to curb your dogs barking?

()1. Spay or Neuter your untrained pet. Eliminating sexual frustration is very nice thing to do for your pet! (Note that breeding your untrained dog will usually lead to further frustration and barking.)

( )2. Train your dog to chew on appropriate toys. If your dog is chewing, it isn't barking! Select a few durable toys like a Kong® or Nylabone® and fill them with soft dog food, then freeze for a treat!

( )3. Give your dog a job. Teach your dog to play with a special toy like an antler that it may only have when you are away.

( )4. Give your dog a Vitamin B 50 Complex supplement. (The same kind you would purchase for yourself!) Vitamin B is a natural stress reducer and may help your dog metabolize stress easier.

( )5. Allow your dog a safe, confined area to sleep, preferably indoors. This not only allows time for owners to be with their dogs (the main reason many owners got a dog) but it also allows the dog to feel safe and secure.

( )6. Exercise your dog. Daily exercise reduces stress and energy. Most healthy, mature dogs will dramatically improve their behavior with at least one 30-45 minute walk per day. Play ball or go for a walk, whatever you and your dog enjoy!

( )7. Train your dog. Obedience training and proper leash walking both reinforce good behaviors. Private Training can help you get to the root of issues quickly and directly. Group classes offer an opportunity for you to practice teaching your dog good behavior during distractions.

( )8. If all else fails, try a no-bark collar. For the best options ask our trainers during a Private Training Session.

We recommend learning the safe and efficient use of toys and training techniques from our Professional, Certified Trainers. Set up at session today!

At Complete Canine Training, we LOVE dogs
and we know how to help owners.
Call today 281-825-6404
and find out how we can help you and your dog!