Stop a Barking Dog

Some dogs have a keen ear for the obvious.  I have told my most prevalent barker – “Thank you, I would not have known there was a helicopter flying overhead if you hadn’t barked!”  He may bark to let me know I closed a cabinet door.  He may always be the great protector.  He will, however, quiet his bark when told to do so – my favorite response to this silliness is “not necessary.”  He seems to get it.

I have stated before that dogs bark.  That’s what they do.  An important aspect of stopping this behavior is not to wish they never barked, but that when you acknowledge their notification, they stop.  It takes time and consistency for them to get it.  It can be extremely annoying and a complete nuisance to have a barking dog.  While you can’t do much if they live next door, you can work with your dog to find their triggers and what works to change it.

If they bark non-stop while confined, do not let them out of the space unless they are quiet and calmed down.  If they bark to go outside, by all means, let them know that is good; however, don’t open the door until they are calm.  It is difficult at times, but very important to pay attention to the behavior you are rewarding.

Most dogs bark for a reason – even if it is something so obvious that other dogs find no need in alarming the neighborhood.   It may also seem as though your dog just likes the sound of it’s bark.  It can be “youth,” boredom, lack of socialization, a breed characteristic, or practice for that 3:00 A.M. call!

As with most behavior modification, the change begins with you.  Pay attention that you aren’t rewarding them for barking.  They will bark, and learn to stop once you acknowledge them and ask them to “quiet.”  Developing a leadership relationship with your dog is the first step in them changing this behavior.