The 4 Best Dog Barking Solutions

Many people seek out training collars for dog barking solutions. However, these collars often cause more stress to your dog, often malfunction, making it impossible for your dog to learn, and don't teach your dog what you want him to do instead. Most dogs respond more quickly and happily if he is given another job to do rather than bark.

#1. Create a Quiet Room

Many dogs bark because they are stressed. To reduce this, create a place where your dog can go without feeling stress. This should be a quiet room at the back of the house where he has no access to windows.

Fill the room with things your dog likes: a bed, treats or toys. Add white noise such as a television or radio to block out noises that might stress your dog. Install a DAP diffuser, which releases soothing pheromones only your dog can smell.

Spend time in this room with your dog simply relaxing. Bring a book and cuddle up next to him with all outside distractions eliminated. Then, begin leading him into the room and closing the door when he begins barking incessantly. Don't let him out until he has calmed down. Soon, he will seek out the room on his own.

#2. Teach a Quiet Command

Teaching your dog how to stop barking on command will help him understand what you want him to do. Your dog doesn't innately understand "no" or "quiet." In fact, if you are yelling at your dog while he's barking, he may think that you are barking along with him. Thus, you need to teach a command that he understands.

Get your dog excited enough to bark by playing a game with him. Suddenly, stop. When your dog stops barking, say "quiet" and reward him for responding. Repeat this game for the next few days several times until your dog can stop barking just hearing the word.

Now, when your dog barks, say "quiet." If he does, give him a big reward. If not, lead him to a timeout area, such as a crate or bathroom. To make this easier, keep him on a small leash when you are home.

#3. Teach an Alternate Behavior

What would you like your dog to do instead of bark at noises? Be more specific than "not bark." Would you like him to run to a spot? Look at you? Sit? Go play with a toy?

Decide what you would like him to do instead and teach that behavior when he is not barking. Teach the behavior so well that your dog can do it easily. Then, put a leash on your dog and wait for him to bark. When he does, give the command, grab the leash and force your dog to go through the steps of the behavior. Praise and reward.

Practice each time your dog barks, so this will become his innate behavior rather than barking.

#4. Acknowledge the Barking

Many dogs are bred to be guard dogs. This instinct won't just go away. Thus, when your dog barks, show him that you appreciate his effort and will now handle the situation. Look out a window or check out the door. Then, thank your dog with praise and petting and give him something else to do. If the barking isn't caused by stress, this should cause your dog to calm right down.

 

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