Controlling an Incessantly Barking Dog
A dog that barks when a stranger enters the yard or when something outside the house goes "bump in the night" is a good dog to have.
He's helping to protect your home and family.
This is good barking, and should not be discouraged, simply controlled.
If a dog is taught to stop barking on command after you've checked out the situation, or to stop barking in a reasonable time after the perceived threat is gone, the dog is doing a great service and should be rewarded.
Well socialized dogs do not usually bark incessantly.
They bark only when they perceive the need to get your attention or perhaps straighten you out on a few relationship issues.
When things are running smoothly, happy dogs usually communicate with their tails, not their mouths.
It's important to ensure that your dog is comfortable around people and new places.
When possible, especially when in the puppy stage, take the dog for walks around the neighborhood to meet new people and mingle with other dogs.
Bring the dog with you when you run errands to places where a dog would be welcomed.
Bring your dog with you to tour the local pet superstore.
He'll be sure to meet other dogs and dog lovers who will make him feel comfortable.
Some communities have dog parks, where your dog can strike up new friendships.
A dog that gets plenty of exercise and has displacement activities such as play balls and chew toys is usually too occupied and content to bark nervously for little or no apparent reason.
Ideally, you should train your dog, regardless of his reason for barking, to stop barking on your command, giving him a clear indication as to when his beneficial barking has done its job and is no longer needed.
It's not that difficult to teach.
Have a handful of friends drop by to help you with the training.
Make sure that you have some treats for rewarding the dog.
Ask each of your friends to knock on the door in turn.
When the dog barks as the door is opened, have the friend give the dog a treat and say "thank you.
" This will be a new experience for the dog.
After this is done for about an hour, he will begin to equate his ceasing to bark with a treat.
Now, when the dog barks for any reason, you can offer him a treat and say "shhh.
" He'll smell the food, stop barking, and take the treat.
After this procedure is repeated often enough, the dog will find it to his benefit to bark on command and to be quiet when asked.
He's helping to protect your home and family.
This is good barking, and should not be discouraged, simply controlled.
If a dog is taught to stop barking on command after you've checked out the situation, or to stop barking in a reasonable time after the perceived threat is gone, the dog is doing a great service and should be rewarded.
Well socialized dogs do not usually bark incessantly.
They bark only when they perceive the need to get your attention or perhaps straighten you out on a few relationship issues.
When things are running smoothly, happy dogs usually communicate with their tails, not their mouths.
It's important to ensure that your dog is comfortable around people and new places.
When possible, especially when in the puppy stage, take the dog for walks around the neighborhood to meet new people and mingle with other dogs.
Bring the dog with you when you run errands to places where a dog would be welcomed.
Bring your dog with you to tour the local pet superstore.
He'll be sure to meet other dogs and dog lovers who will make him feel comfortable.
Some communities have dog parks, where your dog can strike up new friendships.
A dog that gets plenty of exercise and has displacement activities such as play balls and chew toys is usually too occupied and content to bark nervously for little or no apparent reason.
Ideally, you should train your dog, regardless of his reason for barking, to stop barking on your command, giving him a clear indication as to when his beneficial barking has done its job and is no longer needed.
It's not that difficult to teach.
Have a handful of friends drop by to help you with the training.
Make sure that you have some treats for rewarding the dog.
Ask each of your friends to knock on the door in turn.
When the dog barks as the door is opened, have the friend give the dog a treat and say "thank you.
" This will be a new experience for the dog.
After this is done for about an hour, he will begin to equate his ceasing to bark with a treat.
Now, when the dog barks for any reason, you can offer him a treat and say "shhh.
" He'll smell the food, stop barking, and take the treat.
After this procedure is repeated often enough, the dog will find it to his benefit to bark on command and to be quiet when asked.
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