Erradicate Your Dog’s Barking Habit For Good
Excessive barking is the plague of dog owners everywhere. Depending on which breed of dog it is, will determine the amount it is predisposed to barking behavior. It is extremely sad and one of the main reasons that alot of dogs get left along at animal shelters.
Stopping bad barking behaviors is actually quite easy to accomplish. First and foremost it is critical that you note you will be unable to cease your dog’s barking behavior totally. This is a perfectly normal behavioral trait. If it is complete silence from barking, that you are after, then do not consider getting a dog. Certain situations such as being frightened, scared or meeting other dogs will cause your dog to bark. You should not discourage your dog for carrying out these behaviors.
Some owners attempt this through the use of shock or spray collars. These apparatuses are very cruel. To reinforce the requirement of remaining quiet the dog is given an electronic shock. While the manufacturers will tell you that the shock is comparable to that of a static spark that you’d get from walking across carpet and touching a metal surface, this is not true. Serious burns have been known to occur from the energy surges given out by faulty collars.
A much more effective way to stop bad barking behaviors is through simple distraction. As an example, a new person to them is in your house and they will not stop barking at them, let them know this is unacceptable by saying “no” then redirect their behavior on to something else like one of their toys. It’s important that you do not yell at or punish your dog for barking. Confusion can occur because of this. You must be consistent. At every occurrence of your dog barking when you do not want it to you should give the same reprimand following by the same distraction.
Praise them when they play with their toy instead of barking, in a light and excited tone of voice. Instinctively your dog will pick up what is required of it and become calmer and quieter whilst waiting for your affectionate praise, which it craves. Continue on with the reward and reprimand until your dog forms a habit of knowing when barking is acceptable and when you do not want it.
