You want your dog to bark and warn you of intruders or potential problems.
You just don't want your dog barking through the night, barking to demand attention, or barking just to plain drive you crazy, right? Inappropriate barking is a widespread dog behavior problem and one that impacts not just you and your dog but your neighbors and everyone within earshot.
A barking dog can cause complaints and hard feelings from your neighbors so it's definitely something you want to prevent.
First, determine why your dog is barking.
Is he lonely? Loneliness is the most common reason for inappropriate barking.
He also might be barking out of boredom, hunger, or the need to go to the bathroom.
He also might see something that's triggering the barking: another animal or a person near his territory.
Or is your dog barking to get your attention? He may just be trying to say, "Come out and play!" You certainly want to play with your dog but you don't want to be at his beck (or bark) and call or you'll be dealing with a barking problem on a regular basis.
If you believe your dog is barking to get your attention, you'll need to show him that you cannot be manipulated with barking.
Ignore your dog not just by refusing to look at him but with your body language.
Turn your back on him and don't even say "no.
" Even a negative word is attention and that's what you want to avoid.
What happens when your dog just won't stop barking in other situations? After a few moments of allowing him to bark, clasp his muzzle gently but firmly.
When he tries to shake you off, hold his collar.
This will silence your dog and reinforce in his mind that you have authority.
Once he calms down, continue to hold him for one or two more seconds then release and praise him.
The best technique for handling your dog's barking is to stop it before it ever starts.
Dogs (depending on age, size and breed) need about an hour and a half of exercise daily.
Providing your dog with an outlet for his energies will result in a happier-and quieter-dog.