How Does
How Does a Dog Learn to Stop Barking?
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Dogs bark as a form of communication. They bark from excitement, fear or to scare off strangers. Dogs also bark as a way of letting their owners know that they want something. Certain breeds, such as beagles and terriers, bark more so than other breeds. If the bark is excessive, it can be very annoying. The dog can learn to stop barking, with the use of training and training aids.
Discipline
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Barking dogs an be taught to be quiet on command. The owner can issue a voice command such as "be quiet," or "hush." A simple "Shhhh" with a point or forefinger to the owner's mouth can be taught as a quiet command. Teach the dog by choosing your quiet command and stick to that one phrase or action.
Work with the dog so that he or she learns through repetition. When the dog barks, issue the quiet command. If he or she stops barking and remains quiet for a few minutes or even seconds, offer a treat and praise. The dog will soon learn by repetition what the command means and what he or she is expected to do.
Training Aids
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There are training aids that claim to help with the stop barking training. No bark collars can be purchased and put on the offending dog. Some of these collars will shock the dog when it barks, so it learns that the bark means discomfort.
Some no bark collars will spray a citronella mist directly into the dog's face when it barks. Dogs do not like the scent of citronella, so they will learn to associate the bark with the scent.
A much simpler aid is to use a spray bottle with a mixture of water and lemon juice. When the dog barks, the owner sprays a mist of the lemon water in the dog's face.
Most dog advocates will protest against any of these aids, advocating that positive reinforcement, such as praise and treats for not barking, is a much better teaching tool.
Consistency
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Not matter what teaching method the owner chooses to use so that the dog is learning not to bark, the training should be consistent. The dog should not be confused by being allowed to bark at something one time and then disciplined the next. The owner should be consistent with what barking is acceptable and what barking is not.
For example, if the dog barks at people constantly, use the "Shhh" command and give him a treat every time he barks and stops to obey your quiet command.
If he barks to ask to go outside, and that's allowable, reward him for that. He will soon learn when it is okay to bark and when it is not.
eHow Article: How Does a Dog Learn to Stop Barking?
