Article about Dog Barking

Coping With Dog Barking

Most dogs bark, it's just a fact of life. Dogs bark for a number of reasons, some good, some not so good. Some dogs bark briefly and others bark incessantly. If your dog's barking for all the wrong reasons, it may just be time to do something about it.

First, you must keep in mind that there are some breeds that are simply more prone to barking, Beagles and Collies for instance. Other dogs will bark as a warning signal, when a stranger approaches or when someone rings the doorbell. This is usually seen as an acceptable form of barking. The key, however, is to be able to turn that barking off. If your dog's barking for other, unacceptable reasons, however, he may just be a nuisance barker. The first step in dealing with nuisance barking is to determine why your dog is barking.

The Territorial Barker -- For many dogs, territorial barking is instinctual. This is barking to warn of the approach of strangers or even to ward off strangers. Most owners find this form of barking acceptable and even appreciate it. However, the problem arises when the dog continues to bark longer than necessary. To deal with this type of barking, you must train your dog to stop barking once the warning has been acknowledged. This can be a simple "good dog" command combined with a pat on the head. If, however, this does not work to stop the barking, some sort of cease command, such as "enough", must be taught using positive reinforcement.

You can also use counter conditioning with this type of barking. Again, you must train your dog to do something incompatible with the barking. Once he's barked at the door, for instance, train him to go lie down or go to another room in the house. Be sure to reward him when he does this. The key to either of these approaches is to practice them. Have someone come to the door and ring the bell and practice several times.

Some territorial barkers bark as a result of fear or anxiety caused by strangers. This can require additional work. The above techniques can be applied, but these dogs must also be desensitized to strangers and socialized well, both off their property and on.

Separation Anxiety Barking -- Some dogs bark as a result of separation anxiety, the barking occurring as you're about to leave or after you've left. Dog's will do this to get their owner's attention or even as a release of anxious energy. This is often what owners hear their neighbors complaining about. However, it's important to keep in mind that not only are your neighbors being annoyed, but your dog is suffering. Punishment will not work to correct this behavior. In fact, attempts to correct the barking rarely work. What needs to be paid attention to is the separation anxiety itself. For information on dealing with separation anxiety, visit our page on Dealing with Separation Anxiety.

The Reactive Barker -- If your dog barks at just about anything, the wind perhaps or a falling leaf, he's likely a reactive barker. Trying to train these dogs not to bark can be much harder. First, consult with your veterinarian to determine and address any medical contributions to this hyper-reactivity. This may include hypothyroidism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Also make sure that your dog is getting an appropriate diet and adequate exercise. Otherwise, you can follow the same basic approach as you would for the territorial barker, though you may need to contribute a bit more time and effort.

Training your dog not to bark unnecessarily is part and parcel of training him to be a good and obedient companion. In this regard, obedience training and socialization from an early age is all that more important, providing a foundation to head off and/or deal with any potential problems that may arise in the future. Proper socialization will help to prevent your dog from having inappropriate reactions, in this case barking, to people, other dogs, different situations and the like. Obedience training will teach your dog basic commands like 'No' and 'Sit/Stay' that can later help you to deal with any behavior issues, in this case nuisance barking.

The Attention Getter -- Many dogs bark to get attention. This type of dog has usually learned, whether you're aware of it or not, that barking will get him attention. He may have learned that he can get whatever he wants by barking. This is usually a dog who is insistent upon getting is how own way, a dog who must be the center of attention, and a dog who can be very demanding, particularly of your attention. A lot of owners, too fed up with the barking, simply give in to their dog's whims. And for many of these dogs, any attention, even scolding, is better than no attention. Here are a few tips to help you put a stop to this kind of barking:

• Withdraw your attention. When your dog is displaying his bad barking behavior, ignore him. Do not make direct eye contact, do not touch him or speak to him. Only respond with attention once he is quiet and no longer barking.
• Create a bridging stimulus. This can help along the attention withdrawal technique. You want to create a neutral sound to act as a stimulus, something like a click, that you produce as soon as the barking begins. This acts to signal your dog that your attention is about to be withheld. The stimulus provides a concrete consequence to your dog's actions.
• Countercondition. To countercondition your dog's nuisance barking, you want to train him to do something that is incompatible with his barking. You can train him to go to his bed. Once there, praise him and/or give him a treat.
• Punishment. When your dog barks, say "No Bark" or use a shake can. However, this technique rarely works with sensitive dogs and, though negative, may still be seen as attention.

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