petcarefun.info

April 30th, 2009 by KittyKitty

Excessive barking is the plague of dog owners everywhere. It is perfectly normal for a dog to bark when it encounters different situations, certain breeds more than others. It is extremely sad and one of the main reasons that alot of dogs get left along at animal shelters.

Stopping bad barking behaviors is actually quite easy to accomplish. First and foremost it is critical that you note you will be unable to cease your dog’s barking behavior totally. This is a perfectly normal behavioral trait. If you never want to hear a dog bark, then another pet would be a better fit for you. A dog will bark if fearful, worried, trapped or when seeing another dog. You should not discourage your dog for carrying out these behaviors.

Some owners attempt this through the use of shock or spray collars. These are totally unnatural and really quite nasty for a dog. They deliver an electric shock each time the dog barks. The makers of such collars would have you believe that the shock they provide is no more that what you would get from static in your car, this is simply untrue. Collars such as these do fail, they do have faults and can end up shocking your dog without the dog doing anything whatsover.

A much more effective way to stop bad barking behaviors is through simple distraction. For example, if your dog continuously barks at an unfamiliar person who you’ve invited into your home, tell them “no” in a firm tone of voice, then offer them a distraction, such as a toy, to divert their attention. It is imperative that yelling at and punishing your dog is avoided for its barking behavior. This can be very confusing for them. You must be consistent. You must distract and reprimand in the same way each time your dog decided to start barking when it shouldn’t be.

Praise them when they play with their toy instead of barking, in a light and excited tone of voice. As it is genetically implanted for your dog to want to please you they will begin to understand what is required of them and keep quiet in anticipation of making you happy. Repetition is the key, as with all training. Treat and reprimand enough times so that your dog gets what is expected of it.