Dog Barking

This is a product that deters barking through a physical or psychological deterrent. It can be highly effective at ending barking, though there is some confusion as to whether or not such a device is truly humane.

To get the real picture, you need to understand how most anti-barking devices work. With this knowledge in hand, you can use your own moral compass to determine if anti-barking devices are the way you should go.

The most common device used to stop puppy barking is the ultrasonic silencer. It emits a sound frequency that is very unpleasant to dogs. This sound can be audible or inaudible to humans, depending on what setting you choose. Both are equally effective, though the audible sound might provide more assurance to the owner.

Either way, if these devices are used regularly, a dog can stop barking in less than a week. In the meantime, they suffer absolutely no physical repercussions, as silencers use noise as a psychological punishment. And even then the effect is so quick that the dog gets the message without being subject to long-term emotional damage.

Anti-barking devices can also come in the form of special collars. These use two different strategies to stop puppy barking. The citronella collar is the more humane choice. It uses a sensor to determine when a dog is barking.

When this happens, it squirts citronella into the dog’s face. The spraying action surprises the dog, while the citronella itself emits an unpleasant smell. This combination quickly encourages the dog to stop barking.

The second strategy utilized by anti-bark collars is more controversial. It uses static shock to stop puppy barking. This means it is the only anti-bark device on the market that uses physical pain to amend the behavior.

Things get even more questionable if a dog owner uses a collar that can adjust the amount of shock a dog receives. True, unless a dog is less than 10 pounds, there is a very little risk of electrocution. However, who enjoys the feeling of static electricity?

If a human experiences static shock through a rug or carpet, the sensation is usually uncomfortable enough to warrant an “Ow.” Imagine going through this multiple times. This is what a puppy has to go through if these types of collars are used. For this reason, shock collars should generally be avoided unless one is under the instruction of a professional dog trainer.

Stopping puppy barking is not always easy. This is because barking is a part of a dog’s instinct. In the wild, it was a very important form of communication between other dogs. Even in domestic situations, barking could mean the difference between life and death if an intruder breaks into your house.

However, this does not mean that excessive barking should be encouraged. If a dog barks every time he hears a noise, or because he’s bored, you need to change his behavior. Otherwise, you could lose sleep or get in trouble with your neighbors.

So, what is the magic solution for stopping puppy barking? Ultimately, you will want to reprimand according to the cause of the barking. If a dog only barks when someone comes to the door, you will want to limit your reprimand.

Allow one or two barks, and then say “Enough.” You will want to use this instead of “No,” as no is a more powerful command. To dogs, it is a sign of aggression and could stimulate their barking more. In addition, you do not want to completely discourage barking when someone comes to the door. You just want to control it.

Stopping puppy barking takes a different approach when your dog barks out of sadness or boredom. In this situation, before reprimanding, try to occupy your dog. Buy him lots of bones and chew toys. Hopefully, he will be so entertained that he won’t feel the need to bark.

If this doesn’t work, consider a firm reprimand. After saying “Enough,” put him in time-out for a few minutes. A dog crate works really well for this situation, though you can also place him in the bathroom. Really, all you need is an area that is small and contained.

If this doesn’t work, there is another alternative for stopping puppy barking. It involves using an anti-bark device. These special alarms emit a high-pitched noise that only your dog can hear. This noise is initiated through a button you press every time your dog barks. The dog suffers no pain in the process, though the noise is really annoying.

To humans, it would be like hearing a chalkboard getting scratched over and over. Even though no pain is involved, the noise in itself is so aggravating that it serves as a powerful deterrent. Once the dog connects this noise with his barking, he will be compelled to stop.

In this situation, you might even believe that there is nothing left for you to do other than rehome your dog for the sake of a more normal and peaceful environment.

Before you prepare to take any drastic measures you can discover the secrets that professionals use to quiet this nuisance behavior of canines.

Why Those Dogs Bark

It might seem that your pooch has lost his grasp on sanity once that ceaseless barking begins, but fear not; there is a reason your dog is barking and howling like that proverbial ‘banshee’.

The simple truth of the matter is that a dog learns to institute particular behaviors that it finds to be rewarding. In this instance, your dog has discovered that barking is getting him something that he craves.

You May Be Inspiring those Barks

When a dog barks for no known reason and persists in this behavior it is generally due to the fact that there are more rewards for the dog behavior than punishment.

You might think that you are punishing your dog when you are trying to stop dog barking behaviors, but your pet pooch sees this attention as positive reinforcement of the very behavior you are trying to eliminate.

Stop Dog Barking the Sensible Way

To the dog, this behavior makes a lot of sense. The barking gets him attention from his human family as well as the neighbors.

Many owners also try to use bribes as a method to stop dog barking and of course, your four-footed buddy sees this as more ‘positive reinforcement’. You have to step up and stop dog barking by refusing to take any further part in this noisy cycle of ‘bad dog’ behavior.

What You Need to Do to Stop Dog Barking in its Tracks

You have to change the situation for your dog and make it more rewarding for your pet to be quiet if you are really serious about wanting to stop dog barking once and for all.

Once your pup has discovered that being less vocal is the behavior that brings rewards then that unwanted barking will cease.

What Rewards Are Needed to Rein in that Obnoxious Barking?

To dogs, a reward is not necessarily what a person may view as a “reward”. You have to think like a dog in order to understand how to handle any canine behaviors the correct way.

A dog has certain needs and desires but these are not the same as those of humans. Dogs crave companionship; they need a pack leader; they also need food, exercise, and Attention.

Those treats, food morsels, squeaky bones and other toys are nice, but they may not be the type of reward that your dog is seeking.

From a dog’s point of view, getting attention from humans, and knowing that they are a part of a pack (family) are two very important Rewards.

Stop Dog Barking with Positives and Negatives

Now that we have covered the rewards that a dog may need to stop unwanted barking we have to look at how to use negative reinforcement as well.

Negative reinforcement is when you try to stop dog barking by responding to this behavior in a manner best described as ‘negative’.

These tactics should be humane, yet they are definitely unpleasant to the animal. Both positive and negative reinforcement techniques can be used to stop a dog from barking.

Simplest Forms of Negative Correction for Dog Barking

When your pup or adult dog is barking you can always yell at them to “Stop”. You can even try rattling a can of marbles or blowing a loud whistle when the barking begins.

Some people may want to deliver a corrective ‘tap’ on the dog’s backside with a rolled up newspaper when barking behaviors are first heard.

Spritz and Spray Bottles

These are just plastic bottles that are designed to deliver a fine mist of water in a designated direction. Water alone may not be enough to deter the dog from barking but you have a great chance to stop dog barking behaviors if you use one of the sprays that are specifically made to be used with these dog training bottles.

Why Stop Dog Barking Sprays Work

These spray formulas create a harsh, unpleasant odor that can be detected by the dog. The sprays will not injure the animal but they will break the cycle of barking.

Many pet owners find that the dogs soon learn to associate the barking behavior with the negative chemical spray and they will then rein in that ‘out of control’ barking that has been driving you and your neighbors over the edge of reason.

Electronic Shock Collars

These are dog training products that are very effective when used to stop dog barking behaviors. When used correctly these collars can produce positive results in as little as 24-48 hours. These dog collars will produce a light shock, similar to a static charge, whenever the barking begins.

The shock is not designed to injure any animal but it will definitely get the dog’s attention and distract him from that ceaseless barking.

After discovering that the barking initiates the unpleasant shock of electricity it will not take your pet long to figure out that not barking is much better than getting a jolt of static electricity.

Tips to Remember

Dogs often bark because they are bored, need exercise or feel the need for attention. You may be able to stop dog barking by simply making sure that all of your pet’s needs are fully met each day.

Don’t Reward Barking Behavior

Do not reward your dog with positive attention when the animal is barking. This means that you should not call him or yell at him from a distance. This kind of response can be viewed as ‘rewarding’ by the dog. After all, it is getting some type of attention and recognition.

Go To Where the Trouble Is When Your Dog is Barking

You need to go to where your dog is when he is barking and then you can correct the behavior by reprimanding, punishment or other approved stop dog barking methods. Your dog needs to realize that you are there to correct a behavior not to simply visit and scratch him behind his ears.

Positive Rewards at the Right Time

Positive rewards should be presented when your dog is quiet and not barking. Do not reward your dog when the animal is being noisy because this will defeat your training efforts.

Consistency is Everything

Consistency is the key when you want to stop dog barking and instill good manners in your canine buddies. You may need to try a few different methods to discover the one that will work best for your pet, but if you are patient and consistent you can stop those noisy barks and howls that are threatening to break the bond of affection between you and your dog.

There is only one breed of dog that does not bark at all: the Basenji. All other dogs have the want and need to be vocal.

Before you begin the dog training to halt your dog’s barking, you must understand why dogs bark and which kinds of barking can actually be restricted.

Why Dogs Bark

Dogs bark to show emotion. You can learn when your dog is excited, angry or hurt all about how they bark. Here is a more decisive list:

Dogs bark out of:

• Surprise
• Simply feel driven to
• Frustration
• Saying hello
• Injury or Illness
• Wanting Attention
• Territorial Issues 

It’s not necessary or even possible to totally eradicate all barking. You don’t want to lose your dog’s character in the process, after all. Nor do you want to punish beneficial barking like when she is trying to warn you of a hazard or tell you she is in pain.

The How-To Of It All

When dog training, you must decide if the barking is justified. You will find that 90% of the time, the barking is not justified and needs to be corrected – for your peace of mind and for the stability of the relationship you have with your neighbors.

Once you’ve determined that the barking is not justified and needs to be halted then you can ask yourself the following questions.

Is there something or someone that forces your dog to bark?

What is the focus of your dog’s barking?

Is there a certain time of day or night that your dog barks?

Finding the reply to such questions will help you stop barking dogs.

Addressing Territorial-ism

You should not use tough verbal language or tone of voice when correcting a dog, and most certainly not if the cause of his barking is because he is shocked or being watchful.

This will send contrasting messages to him. He may pause barking, but the territorial issues have not been properly addressed. The dog will find some other way to indicate his alarm and that can lead to biting or ruining property.

If your dog is being territorial, then you have a responsibility to produce a situation where he doesn’t feel such a great need to protect the property.

If your dog knows you are in control, for all intent and purposes the Alpha Dog, then he will know it is up to you, not him to guard.

Your dog will not detect threats if he cannot see them. So, the second step is to take measures to lessen his ability to see threats by doing things like drawing the curtains, putting up a fence and pulling in the windows. If he cannot see the meter reader or the runner on the sidewalk, he won’t bark at them.

Addressing Anxiety

Your dog’s barking could be in response to settings that cause her anxiety. Discovering the cause may not be easy, but it is needed in order to remove the anxiety and the barking related to it.

If you reward your dog with attention as soon as you enter the house when she has been barking, especially over an extended period of time, she will continue this behavior.

 And she may begin to show signs of anxiety and impatience when you are leaving and while you are gone because she is awaiting the attention she will receive when you return. The way to correct this behavior is to not pay attention to the dog upon entering the house.

Dodge even eye contact for ten to fifteen minutes. This will aid in the disconnect between your return and the attention she is requesting of you.

Other Commands

Teaching your dog the commands of “speak” and “be quiet” will help you handle his barking. This is a very useful tool for dog training.

He will learn when he is allowed to be responsive and when he must submit to your authority as his owner. Teaching him these signals will still allow him the ability to warn you of a hazard should the need arise.

A lot of people see a dog’s prolonged barking as an irritant – particularly if they do not understand dogs. Being able to stop barking dogs will help you be friends with your dog and your neighbors.