Dogs are wonderful and loyal pets, but sometimes even a good dog can start barking incessantly. There are numerous reasons for this problematic, annoying and, not least, prohibited behavior in many places. To calm your puppy down, you first need to find out why it makes so much noise. Once the cause is identified, you will need to know what steps to take to make it stop. By learning the proper techniques to keep silent, you can guarantee peace of mind in the place where you live and avoid running into legal problems.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Keep Your Dog At Bay When It Barks Because It Wants Something
Step 1. Stop any kind of encouragement
Barking for attention is a well-known problem for dog owners. The first step to stopping this behavior is to stop giving the pet what it wants every time it barks. Of course, it takes time to discipline him in this regard, especially if for several years he has been accustomed to receiving a "reward" as soon as he barks.
- Try to figure out if he barks because he has to satisfy his bodily needs (a valid need that legitimizes his requests) or because of every little whim, like coming on the sofa or getting more attention.
- Don't give in when they do this, no matter how hard they bark. In these situations, any concession on your part would invalidate any progress you are making.
Step 2. Ignore him when he barks
Whether motivated by a desire for attention or some other request, barking is the simplest way he knows to express himself. Even after you have suspended all kinds of encouragement towards such behavior, it is very likely that it will take some time for it to become unaccustomed. In the meantime, it is better to ignore - rather than punish - his pursuit of attention.
- In the dog's mind, even a cry to stop it is considered a gesture of attention. If you lose your temper and scold him, he will probably bark even longer the next time, because he will expect a reaction from you (even a negative one).
- If he barks, don't yell, don't stroke him, and don't give him what he wants. Don't even look at it. The best strategy is to distract yourself, perhaps by reading a book or newspaper, until you have calmed down or tired.
Step 3. Reward him for behaving well
When the dog finally stops barking, you need to praise him and reward him for his silence. Over time, he will learn that if he keeps quiet and obeys, the consequences will be more beneficial than if he misbehaves and barks.
- Have a few treats on hand so you can use it when it stops barking. To train him most effectively, you should give it to him as soon as he takes on the desired behavior.
- Praise him when he no longer barks. Tell him: "Bravo, little dog!" and give him a reward.
- Only when he realizes that by staying silent he will receive a treat, and that if he barks will be ignored, can you gradually extend the amount of time he must remain silent before rewarding him. For example, once he learns that he must stop barking in order to be rewarded, as the days go by you could extend the waiting time by a few seconds to a minute or two before rewarding him.
- For more satisfying results, make sure that the amount of time she has to be silent before receiving a reward is not always the same. In this way, after a certain amount of time, he will not wait for the morsel and will remain calm while waiting. For example, after a couple of weeks of training, alternate between 20 seconds, one minute, and 30-40 seconds.
Step 4. Train him to behave differently
One of the best ways to inhibit a bad attitude is to teach your dog to behave differently. This way, instead of increasing his frustration and irritation when his desires are not met, you will let him know that if he wants to achieve something, he will have to commit to more acceptable behavior.
- Teaching him alternative behavior may be time-consuming, but ultimately it's the best way to encourage him to act correctly. For example, instead of playing when he barks at you, train him to bring you his favorite toy and leave it on the floor.
- You can also stop them from engaging in unwanted behavior by avoiding certain situations. For example, if he barks for help every time the ball rolls under the sofa, try putting something under the sofa so toys don't get stuck in it.
Step 5. Continue to train him
Don't stop discouraging him when he barks to get attention. Continue your training until you have deepened all the aspects that concern each of his needs and requests for attention. Eventually he will learn to wait patiently when he wants to play, eat or be cuddled.
Part 2 of 5: Calming Separation Anxiety
Step 1. Recognize separation anxiety
A dog can manifest it in various ways, but it usually expresses it by destroying the house and barking incessantly. Most of the time it takes this kind of behavior only when the owner is at work or in any case away from home. Also, if it's not a catastrophic animal, it's sometimes hard to tell if your dog is suffering from separation anxiety. Among the signs to watch out for are:
- Follow the master from room to room, regardless of how little he has strayed;
- Fidgeting, panting, or moaning when the owner is ready to leave the house
- Urinating or defecating at home, even if the owner is absent;
- Chewing on objects when alone;
- Scratching or "digging" on the floor, walls or doors when alone;
- Complaints from neighbors that he barks or howls when alone in the house.
Step 2. Try counter-conditioning
It is a method used to modify the behavior of dogs that teaches the animal to associate something that scares it with a reward. In the case of separation anxiety, instead of fearing someone or something, the fear is that of being left alone. To combat the effect caused by separation anxiety, you need to train your dog to link loneliness to something that gives him pleasure (such as a reward).
- Every time you go out, try to give him a dog food puzzle. This is a toy that can be stuffed with morsels, cheese or peanut butter (preferably low in fat) to keep him busy for at least 20-30 minutes, which is the time it takes for him to distract himself from the fear of being left alone.
- When you return, remove or hide the puzzle so that the conditioning achieved with this tool is effective when you are away from home.
- Realize that counter-conditioning generally only works in cases where separation anxiety is mild. Although the puzzle is a toy that will appreciate much regardless of the gravity of the situation, a more decisive approach may be required if the animal is suffering from moderate or severe anxiety.
Step 3. Try to desensitize the dog about loneliness
If your separation anxiety is moderate or severe, it will most likely not heal suddenly. A great way to get used to loneliness is to desensitize him by gradually leaving him alone, so as to let him know that leaving the house does not mean leaving him. This is a slow process that will take place over several weeks, during which you will need to be consistent, but which will prove effective over time.
- Act on the anxiety that precedes the separation by exposing the dog to various signals that indicate your departure, such as wearing a coat or taking the keys by making them jingle. Try doing these operations at different times of the day without leaving home.
- Teach him to get comfortable on his own by disappearing from his sight. You should make sure that he remains sitting or lying down as you leave the room or when you are out of sight.
- Once he has learned to be comfortable when you are out of sight, try closing a door to prevent him from approaching you and gradually prolong your detachment.
- Start moving away from her sight by closing the bathroom or bedroom door. Don't use the front door right away, otherwise you risk alarming him.
- After several weeks, you should go to the front door. However, even in this case, it is better to use an alternative (if possible) than the one you usually leave for work. For example, instead of going out the front door or directly out of the garage (if you have a house), try using the one at the back of the house.
- As you spend more and more time out of sight or with the door closed, you should distract him by resorting to counter-conditioning methods, such as puzzles. Try this when you close a door or go out the back for at least 10-20 seconds.
Step 4. Be patient
It will take a lot of training and practice for the dog to be calm in your absence. In most cases, if he is anxious, he engages in unwanted behaviors within the first 40 minutes of leaving his master, so it will be necessary to train him several times before he can spend this period of time in complete tranquility when he is alone in the house.
- Just extend your absence for a few seconds during each training session. If you go away for longer, you risk upsetting him and causing him to panic.
- Once you manage to leave him alone for 90 minutes without any problems, he will most likely be able to manage 4-8 hours in complete solitude. However, in the early stages where he is fine, you'd better check him every 4 hours rather than spend a full day at work (if you can).
- If you train him consistently several times a day on weekends and at least twice a day during the week (perhaps before going to work and returning in the evening), in less than a month you will be able to teach him to stay calm. your absence. However, every dog is different and yours may need longer training or more daily sessions.
- Be patient and remember that he behaves badly because he loves you and is afraid that you may abandon him.
Step 5. Consider other solutions
If, despite training, he does not calm down or if the landlord and neighbors are intolerant of the needs of learning good behavior, you will probably need to consider alternative solutions.
- Consider taking him to work with you (as long as you are allowed). This may not be ideal, but in many offices access to employee dogs is allowed, especially if you explain the circumstances to your employer.
- Arrange with a friend or family member to take care of your dog when you are not at home. In most cases, these animals suffer from separation anxiety if they are left completely alone. In other words, it would be helpful to ask someone for help.
- Consider training him with the carrier. The success of this method varies greatly from dog to dog. Some fear being left alone in the cage, while others see this tool as a safe space and a guarantee that sooner or later someone will come home to free them.
- If all goes wrong, seek the assistance of a dog trainer. He will be able to help the dog in the best possible way. Find one that works near you by searching online or ask your veterinarian for information.
Part 3 of 5: Stopping the Dog When It Barks to Signal a Danger
Step 1. Recognize when he barks to signal a danger
In these cases the dog barks to communicate that it has perceived the intrusion of a stranger. While this behavior can be useful and even save your life, if used in the presence of postmen, couriers or even neighbors passing by the front door, it can be annoying and problematic.
- The alarm it warns does not always require visual confirmation of the intruder. Some dogs may bark simply because they hear a car door being forcefully closed on the street or voices coming from the pavement.
- It is often accompanied by a slight jerk or leap forward (even just a few centimeters) each time it barks.
Step 2. Teach your dog the command related to silence
The best way to stop a dog from barking when it intends to signal danger is to teach it to stay quiet on command. As with any type of training, this is a process that can take time, patience and persistence. However, if you are willing to invest the time and effort, even the most territorial-tempered dog will learn to improve his behavior.
- After three or four times he has barked, show him a treat. This way you will get his attention and you will most likely be able to distract him from the extraneous presence he has perceived.
- Wait until he stops barking. Just be patient and keep showing him the reward.
- Once he has stopped barking, say "shut up" in a calm but stern voice, and hand him the treat.
- Repeat this until he has learned to associate the word "shut up" with the fact that he must be silent. Once he has obeyed you at least 10 times, you can begin giving him this command without offering him any reward. If he continues to obey you, give him a treat, otherwise you'll have to show him a few more times.
- Eventually he will learn to shut up on command without receiving any reward. However, even after this stage, you should still praise him in words when he stops barking.
Step 3. Use the "shut up" command
Once your dog has learned this during training, you will need to apply it in real situations. Try this by asking a friend to slam the car door in front of the house, shake the letterbox, or approach the front door.
- Have a treat on hand whenever your friend shows up at the door. Even if you are past the stage of having to reward him materially, it may be necessary to use some rewards when you go to apply what you have taught him by involving the intervention of a stranger.
- When you ask someone to come to the door pretending to be the postman, it is imperative that that person does not leave until the dog has stopped barking. If he leaves while he is still barking, he may be convinced that he has managed to ward off the stranger presence.
Part 4 of 5: Avoid Compulsive Barking or Boredom
Step 1. Recognize when he barks compulsively or out of boredom
If he does it compulsively for no reason or when he's alone (in the yard, for example), it's likely boredom. If it happens when left alone, it could be separation anxiety, but usually this problem is accompanied by other signs, such as destructive behaviors, an inability to hold back bodily needs and an urge to follow the owner around the house.. Behaviors associated with compulsive or bored barking include:
- Continuous and repetitive barking;
- Walking or running back and forth, usually while barking or before or after barking
- Barking whenever left alone (with no other signs of separation anxiety)
- Barking every time the owner stops paying attention to him.
Step 2. Keep the dog moving
Exercise and play are the best remedies for compulsive barking and boredom. While it is obviously important to take it for a walk (even if you have a fenced garden) so that it remains an active and viable animal, this activity may not be enough. Try running him between two people for 10-20 minutes, have him chase a ball or toy, or take him for a run with you in the morning before going to work.
- To ensure his physical and mental well-being, it is important for the dog to practice at least 20 minutes of intense physical activity every day. Additionally, movement could help reduce behavioral problems, such as bored barking.
- You should also spend some time playing with him every day. You could play hide and seek or just throw a ball at him, having him chase it or bring it back.
Step 3. Teach him some tricks
It's a great way to ward off boredom and discourage compulsive behaviors. Tricks, in fact, require concentration, attention and the ability to remember what he learns as he learns - all aspects that can keep him busy both physically and mentally.
Once he has learned a few tricks, go through them every day. This will help him remember what he has learned and also keep him engaged and focused
Step 4. Give him some distractions
In addition to exercise, to inhibit problem behaviors (such as barking due to boredom) it is necessary to leave some objects around the house with which they can have fun. Therefore, you can use a puzzle filled with peanut butter or just place a handful of treats around the house. You could even leave the radio or television on so that he can get distracted by listening to the sounds he makes.
Part 5 of 5: Finding Other Ways to Reduce Dog Barking
Step 1. Meet your puppy's needs
It is very likely that it will continue barking if it is hungry or if it is left in the garden all day. Regardless of how much time you spend training and teaching him behavioral techniques, it will not make up for the lack of food and comfort. Make sure she always has sufficient amounts of fresh, clean water whenever she needs it, 2-3 nutritious meals a day, and access inside the house.
Step 2. Exclude the risk of health problems
Sometimes, if it barks, it is possible that it communicates some physical discomfort. If you contemplate the possibility that he has any health problems or injury, you should take him to a vet as soon as possible.
Step 3. Use training methods
The "shut up" command is an excellent training technique. It will come in handy for any type of problem that arises when barking, although it may be the only solution for some behavioral problems, such as barking due to its territorial instinct.
- Whenever he starts making a fuss about nothing, show him a treat so as to distract his attention from the stranger he has perceived.
- Once he has stopped barking, say the word "shut up" and offer him his reward.
- Gradually extend the duration of silence before rewarding it. Over time, he should get to the point where he will stop barking just by hearing the word "shut up", without receiving any reward.
Step 4. Increase physical activity
Exercise is effective for inhibiting behavioral problems, including excessive barking. If your dog is anxious, territorial or just plain bored, you can reduce the frequency and severity of this problem by keeping him moving.
Depending on his age and physical abilities, you have numerous ways to train him. Long walks are great for older dogs, while puppies can benefit from running with their owners, chasing and catching a ball, playing tug of war or engaging in other interaction games
Step 5. Block everything that bothers him
If he barks every time he sees or hears something outside, you may simply be blocking access to the root cause that is bothering him. If he barks at the window, try putting up curtains or blinds so he doesn't have a chance to observe people or animals passing by. If the noises he hears from outside make him agitated, try leaving a radio on during the day to distract him and block out external noises.
Step 6. Consult an expert
There are different types of dog behavior specialists, each with their own titles. Regardless of which type you choose, you should always check its qualifications and look for recommendations or reviews online. If you can't find an expert on the internet, ask your vet for advice on someone who can help you manage your dog's specific needs.
- Dog trainers are often registered in a special register, but this is not necessarily the case. They may also have other qualifications, such as a behavioral counselor, pet therapy practitioner, and animal psychologist.
- To obtain certification, a dog trainer recognized by ENCI (Italian National Dog-loving Body) must submit an application to the appropriate training centers; study compulsory subjects such as evolution and comparison of breeds, animal ethology and behavior, animal welfare and so on; follow theoretical-practical courses; pass the final exam to enroll in the ENCI trainers register.
- The behavioral veterinarian must have at least three years of clinical experience, have attended a university specialization school, a second level university master's degree or a theoretical-practical training course at a school, and passed a final exam (then defining the requirements of the school). In some cases the training period can be replaced by participation in specific conferences, by the publication of scientific articles on the subject or by teaching activities.
Step 7. Try excessive barking deterrents
These are tools, such as the anti-bark collar, which cause a huge annoyance to dogs and, therefore, should be used only as a last resort, or when no other method has the desired effects. Some people are against the use of the bark collar, as they believe it is a punishment device. Training is much more effective than using such equipment and obviously represents a long-term solution to behavioral problems. However, if it doesn't work with your dog and the landlord has threatened to evict you or call the police, you may need to use a bark collar.
- The lemongrass collar sheds a small amount of this substance every time the dog barks. It has been shown to be at least as effective as electronic collars and does not cause any physical pain or discomfort to the animal.
- The anti-bark ultrasonic collar emits ultrasounds, audible only by the dog. It is certainly annoying for him, but it does not cause physical pain.
- The electric collar is similar to the citronella and ultrasonic one, but emits a short electric shock on the neck. It typically comes with various settings to change the intensity of the shock. If you use this device, it is best to set the lowest setting to prevent the animal from getting hurt. Again, remember to use this method only as a last resort.
