How to Stop Nuisance Barking in Your Dog

While barking is something just about any dog will do, nuisance barking can become an irritating habit which can annoy both neighbors and dog owners alike. Nuisance barking is a habit which is correctable in most pets with the proper training. While expecting a dog to stop barking completely might be unrealistic, you can get your dog to stop barking unnecessarily.

Things You'll Need

• Dog treats

Instructions

Pinpoint Reason for Barking

1. Try to determine why your dog is barking. Is it bored? Is it trying to get in or out of the house? Is it barking at something in the yard or house? Does your dog bark to get attention from you or your family members? There are many reasons a dog may bark, and to pinpoint the reason may help to eliminate the source.

2. Make sure your dog is well exercised at all times. A dog may be barking out of sheer boredom or because he is pent up and needs to get out some of their energy. Obedience training is another good way to wear a dog out, as training a dog is mentally exhausting for pets.

3. Find your pet a companion or allow her to interact with other dogs at a dog-friendly park. Most cities have dog parks that are completely enclosed or fenced in order to allow for friendly interaction between dogs.

Correct Nuisance Barking

1. Determine your "command phrase" for correcting your dog when he barks. This can be "No Bark!" or "Be Quiet!" Whatever you feel comfortable with is fine. You will use this phrase often.

2. Correct your dog when she barks each and every time by using your catch phrase and giving her a dog treat IMMEDIATELY. You must correct her each time as you do not want your dog to get confused as to when she can and cannot bark. You are teaching the dog that barking is not allowed.

3. After you give the dog a treat, praise the dog for being a good dog and being quiet, repeating your catch phrase several times. Do this each time the dog barks.

4. The third time you do this, after the dog barks IMMEDIATELY use your catch phrase to tell the dog not to bark, then wait 3 to 4 seconds before giving the dog the treat, holding the treat in front of the dog and making sure the dog is quiet the entire time.

5. Wait 5 to 6 seconds the next time the dog barks before giving the treat, making sure your dog is quiet the entire time after you give the command. The next time it barks, wait 9 to 10 seconds. Each time your dog barks, extend the time you hold the treat and expect your dog to be quiet. If your dog barks during this time, loudly correct the dog in a booming, deep voice and hold the treat until he is quiet, then give him the reward right away and praise your dog with love and petting.

Tips & Warnings

• You dog will not be trained overnight; it takes practice and patience to erase bad habits.

• Please do not take animals to shelters for problems that can be corrected with training.

• Some breeds bark more than other breeds--if you have trouble getting your pet to stop barking, seek help from a trained veterinarian.

References

• How To Train Your Barking Dog
• Dog Barking/Puppy Barking