Dogs bark to communicate: with you, with other dogs and other people. If your intention is to make sure your child never barks, you need to revise your expectations - it would be like expecting a baby to never cry. However, it is possible to eliminate the annoying cries of the animal with a few simple actions. Do not reward him when he barks and train him to stop making noise on command, to minimize the problem and enrich the relationship with your four-legged friend.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Understanding Dog Sounds
Step 1. Observe when your dog barks
These animals can make noises for many reasons, and they often do so for a specific reason. When yours does, try to understand why it is happening. The following are some of the more common reasons dogs bark:
- Fear / Alarm: When dogs are scared or alarmed, they often bark. Nervous individuals have a tendency to bark when they see or hear something unusual, no matter where they are.
- Protect the territory: Dogs protect what they perceive as "their" territory. Basically, this is any place your dog may associate with you: your home, garden, car, or even your "personal space" around your body. These animals also consider the places or paths they often frequent as their territory, so if you always take your specimen for a walk along the same path, you probably consider everything on the road "his".
- Warning: Many dogs bark when they want attention. These lines are usually short and focused. It can become a common habit for your dog if you reward his attitude by giving him the attention he seeks.
- Welcome: dogs bark to say hello. They can do this with other people or other animals. In some cases they do this to invite you to play.
- Anxiety: Dogs can bark because they experience anxiety. Many specimens can't bear to be alone and in these cases they bark compulsively.
- Frustration: Dogs can bark when frustrated. If your pet is tied up, can't reach his favorite toy, or wants to go play with the neighbors' dog, he may bark to indicate that the situation is making him frustrated. Many specimens bark when bored.
Step 2. Read your dog's body language
When these animals bark, they communicate their emotional state. Interpreting their behavior can give you clues as to how they are feeling. For example, if your four-legged companion is frightened, he may bark in a low position. Understanding what motivates your dog's noises can allow you to help him. Here are some signs that may indicate his mood:
- Fright: When dogs are frightened, they make themselves smaller to appear less of a threat. They fold over themselves, tuck their tails between their legs, and flatten their ears over their heads. They may yawn or lick their lips for comfort.
- Happiness: When dogs are happy, their muscles are relaxed. They keep their mouths open and seem to smile. Sometimes they pant. They have their ears in their natural position and swing their tails from side to side or in a circular motion.
- Alert: Dogs feel alert if they perceive a potential threat. They raise their ears and fix their gaze on what worries them. They can hold their tail straight or over their back, but they usually leave it stationary. They may have straight hair on the back.
- Want to play: Dogs that want to play can't sit still. They are full of energy and are constantly moving. They can jump, run in circles, or bow to invite you to play. They often seem to smile.
- Domination: Dogs who feel confident in their actions display assertive body language. They rise to their full height, arch their necks and appear slightly stiff. They usually keep their tails straight and firm. They can look you in the eye.
- Aggression: Dogs that feel confident and aggressive try to look bigger by raising their tails, prickling their ears and holding their heads up. They can spring forward or look like they're ready to pounce on you. They often retract their lips to show their teeth, although in some cases they curl them forward. Aggressive individuals who feel threatened combine the body language of fear and security.
Step 3. Listen to the tone of your dog's cry
You can understand a lot thanks to this particular. Studies have shown that humans are quite adept at deciphering the emotions that these animals bark at.
- When a dog is barking and happy, his cries are usually high-pitched. A bark made as a greeting can also include other noises, such as moans or growls.
- The lines that require attention are often short and focused.
- Severe or hoarse barking usually indicates that the dog is feeling a disturbance of some kind, such as fear or alarm.
- When a dog barks because they are experiencing separation anxiety, they often emit high-pitched squeals. He looks desperate and unhappy.
- Compulsive barking often has a flat tone. They seem to recur and are usually accompanied by compulsive movements.
Part 2 of 4: Eliminating Positive Reinforcements for Unwanted Attitudes
Step 1. Avoid talking to the dog or making hand gestures
These reactions reward the animal with attention. Screaming is also not a good solution. Completely ignore all occasions when your dog barks.
- Telling the dog "Shut up" can be counterproductive.
- In some cases, spraying the animal with water can be an effective and painless way to stop it. However, some dogs may think you are playing, so try to figure out if this is the best solution.
Step 2. Don't reward your dog for barking
You should definitely avoid these behaviors, as they only reinforce your pet's unwanted habit. For example, if he barks for your attention and you give it to him, it would be a "reward" for him!
- Ignore him when he barks to get your attention. It can be difficult, like ignoring a crying baby, but to avoid confusing the pet it's important to follow this advice.
- Don't reward your dog's requests for attention with looks, strokes, or words. If you have the chance, turn your back on him - this will make him understand that you don't appreciate this behavior. Eventually the animal will calm down.
- When he stops barking, praise him and give him treats. Over time he will understand the system and to continue training you should only grant him rewards after longer moments of silence.
Step 3. Shut your dog's mouth
If your pet does not bite, it may be helpful to close his mouth when he barks unwanted. This physical reinforcement tells him that you don't approve of his behavior.
There are leashes and bites that allow you to gently close your dog's mouth when you take him out for a walk
Step 4. Check the environment
If possible, do not expose your dog to anything that will cause him to bark. Close the curtains if you usually bark at passers-by. Confine him to a room by himself if he barks at your guests.
- If your dog is barking to defend his territory, you can often correct the problem by limiting his vision. You can install a wooden fence around the garden instead of a net, or cover the windows with opaque film (which still lets in light) to calm your agitated pet.
- If your dog becomes frightened when he hears sounds he doesn't recognize, turn on a machine that produces white noise or leave a fan running when you're not home. This can help distract the animal from other ambient noises.
Step 5. Teach your dog to socialize
If the animal barks every time it sees another of its breed or a person, it may have trouble socializing. Always make sure his behavior is flawless on walks, in the park, and during interactions with people. This can teach even the most territorial dogs that they don't have to protect their environment wherever they go.
You can also take your dog to a boarding house, where he can play with other animals and learn to behave well
Part 3 of 4: Reinforce Desired Behaviors
Step 1. Tired your dog
In some cases, these animals may bark because they are frustrated or bored. If your dog does not exercise enough, it may bark because it has too much energy to vent. Have him run and play to reduce the problem of unwanted barking.
If your dog is bored, make sure he has plenty of toys available. Brain teasers, especially those involving food, are great games to keep your pet busy and happy
Step 2. Teach your dog other ways to welcome people
Happy specimens often bark to say hello. Teach your other means of communication to reduce problems with unwanted noises.
- When a guest arrives at the house, teach the dog to reach a specific spot and wait. Have him sit down and order him to stay in his seat while you (or a helper) walk in the door. Reward him with praise and food.
- You can also train him to fetch a special toy near the door when people arrive. If he has something to hold in his mouth, it will be harder for him to bark.
- Train him to sit quietly before allowing other people to pet him when you are not at home. This can also reduce the risk of someone being injured by the over-excited pet.
- When he barks to welcome you, don't reward him with attention and consideration. Wait until he has calmed down before greeting him and giving him food or strokes.
Step 3. Teach your dog other ways to communicate
These animals often bark to communicate their needs. If you can train him to warn you in other ways, he won't need to bark anymore.
- For example, ring a bell when you take your dog out to associate the two activities. Train him to ring the bell when he needs to go out.
- Shake the dog's water bowl before filling it. The animal will learn to associate the two activities and will be able to repeat the movement when it is thirsty.
Step 4. Make your dog less sensitive
Desensitize him to the element that causes his barking. Start by introducing the stimulus at a distance, far enough away not to cause the animal to bark. For example, if your four-legged friend barks at a neighbor's dog, ask the owner to help you.
- Bring the stimulus closer to the dog. Praise him and reward him for keeping silent.
- Give him treats when you approach the stimulus. If he barks, stop feeding him.
- After the treatment, stop rewarding the dog.
- Start small. Gradually increase the time you expose your dog to factors that cause him to bark.
- Keep stimulating him until he is no longer comfortable. Be patient. Remember: learning new concepts takes time, practice, and consistency.
Step 5. Distract your dog
Giving your pet something to focus on can reduce the problem of unwanted noises. After distracting him, encourage him to do some activity, such as play fetch or execute a command.
- You can use a high-frequency whistle or noises to break his concentration when he barks. This way you will interrupt it.
- You can make a non-verbal sound, such as clapping your hands or snapping your fingers. Avoid yelling, as they will think you are barking too.
- When you have your dog's attention, ask him to perform an activity incompatible with barking. For example, you could ask him to get a toy, go to his bed, or place an order.
Part 4 of 4: Teaching Your Dog the "Shut Up" Command
Step 1. Take him to a quiet room
Having the animal's full attention helps it learn new commands, so this solution is the most effective for training.
Step 2. Choose a command to use
The best words to use are short, easy to understand words like "Shh" or "Shut up". Choose a gesture to match the command to reinforce it, such as bringing your index finger to your lips or closing your hand into a fist. Be constant, always use the same command and the same gesture.
Step 3. Make the dog bark
It may seem counterproductive to you, but you have to push him to make noises to teach him to shut up. You could ask someone to ring the bell, or to ring a toy that shakes it.
- Let the dog bark two or three times.
- Make a sudden gesture to surprise him and make him stop.
Step 4. When your dog has stopped barking, give him the order
During training, you do not have to give the command when the animal is still barking. Instead, you must do it when it is silent, in combination with a food reward.
- Don't reward him until he's silent.
- It may be helpful to gently close the pet's mouth as you repeat the command.
Step 5. Continue to train him
Use the command until the animal responds well. Remember that it can take a long time for you to learn how, so be patient and keep trying!
When the dog stops, pause for a second before praising him. Feed him and encourage him to be quiet
Advice
- Dogs that are bored will bark and misbehave more frequently. Make sure yours has lots of fun things to do.
- Be patient. It can take time to desensitize a dog to stimuli that lead to barking.
- For better results, increase the frequency of training.
- If you're not getting good results from training your dog, consider hiring a professional.
- Collars that prevent barking are not recommended. They do not solve the underlying problem that causes the dog's unwanted habit. Electric shock collars cause pain in the animal and can make it more aggressive. Lemongrass ones are less painful, but they can also trigger when another dog is barking, punishing yours for something it didn't do. Don't use them.
