How to Stop Your Black Labrador From Barking
Bringing a puppy or dog into your home can be a wonderful way to bring the family together or brighten the atmosphere. Black Labrador Retrievers can be some of the best animals to choose, especially if you have children. According the American Kennel Club, Black Labs are know for being family-friendly and have great temperaments. They are also traditionally easy to train, and make great hunting and sporting dogs. All dogs have the bark instinct, and this instinct can come in handy when you teach the dog to be a guard for your family. If the barking is getting out-of-hand, however, train barking out of the dog.
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Instructions
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Choose a command word for your Black Labrador to learn. This could be "stop," "quiet" or any variation, but it must be a single word that you will always use when addressing the dog about his barking.
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Reward your Black Lab for his good behavior with a dog treat. Stimulate the dog to bark; you could do this by ringing the doorbell, banging on a table or wall, or initiating another activity that you know makes the dog bark. Be careful not to make the dog think that you are playing with him; this is training, not play.
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Stand directly in front of the dog when he begins to bark. State your command word firmly, and hold the treat over his nose. Wait until the dog stops barking, then praise him and give him the reward. He will associate being quiet at your command with getting a reward and understand that he has done a good thing.
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Repeat this exercise with your Black Lab, each time making him be quiet a little longer before he receives his treat. He will eventually learn to stop barking and stay quiet each time you give him that command, whether he is rewarded or not.
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Tips & Warnings
Training collars and other devices are available to train dogs to stop barking. Read all instructions carefully. Some emit sounds, smells or even shocks to the dog when he barks. Be sure that you are aware of all consequences before you use a training device with your dog.
Remember that dogs use barking to express needs, such as the need to use the bathroom, hunger, thirst or approaching danger. Make sure your dog's needs are always addressed to help limit barking.
