Dealing With Your Dogs’ Barking – Steps to Hush Your Pet
Some owners just want their dogs to be quiet. Is this what you expect from your pet? When dealing with your dogs’ barking, remember, dogs bark, it is just what they do, and for many reasons. If you train your dog to stop barking completely, you are keeping him from communicating with you. Remember, he is a part of your family and should be allowed to verbalize just like everyone else in your home.
You have a voice and so does your dog. He will use it to try to communicate with you. This is not a bad thing. After all, you would certainly want him to alert you to any potential danger. Even though the barking can be annoying, you need to learn to read the body language that goes along with the barking before you attempt to stop it. If you are looking for the answer to “why do dogs bark?” you would need to know “why people talk”. We have our way of communicating and dogs have theirs.
Some dogs were bred to bark. German Shepherds, Rottweiler’s and Doberman Pinchers were bred for this purpose. These dogs are used, most commonly, to guard and protect. Whereas, Beagles and Bloodhounds are used more for sport, such as hunting. Their bark is really more of a baying sound, which alerts their handler of the results of their hunting efforts.
Then, there is the dog that just likes to hear himself bark. That is when it gets annoying. There are so many different reasons for dog barking…
- He might have to go potty
- He is lonely
- He wants your attention
- He wants to play
- He is hungry and is reminding you it is time for his meal
- He may hear or sense danger
In any of these cases, you really do not want to quiet your pet. After all, how would you like it if you were not allowed to tell someone about something you feel is important? On the other hand, there are some unacceptable situations…
- If you are busy, even if it is just watching your favorite television show, and your dog barks to get your attention, you first need to determine why he wants your attention. If he just wants to play, and you do not, and he just will not let up, then that is not acceptable. Try ignoring him and if he just keeps getting louder and more persistent try turning your back on him. There is no reason to acknowledge him at all, so no talking.
- If that does not work, give him ‘the look’. In most cases that should end it but if not, literally, get up and walk away from him. Whatever you do, do not give in just to stop the barking. Your dog needs to know that you are the boss, not him. He is actually more comfortable with your relationship if you define it. If you give in, he will get the idea that the longer he barks the better chance he has of getting his way.
- When nothing else works, it is time to get physical. No, I do not mean hitting your dog. Hitting him is not acceptable. It will only cause more problems down the road. What I mean is use your hand to muzzle him. He will probably struggle to get away, but do not let him. Take hold of his collar to give yourself more control, while continuing to hold his muzzle. Wait for him to settle down and then release him. If he gets the message, be sure to praise him for understanding what you expect from him.
- When your dog barks out of boredom, give him some playtime and exercise. You have taken on the responsibility of dog-ownership and this means that you have an obligation to keep your pet fit, happy and healthy. If you think about it, it is very little that our pets ask of us. Take him for a walk or go out back and throw a ball or Frisbee. You might even enjoy it and get some exercise yourself.
Always remember, barking is just talking.
About the Author
Do you have a pet with behavior problems? If you want your dog to be a welcome part of your family, it is a good idea to break any bad habits as early as possible.
To find out more and to learn other great training techniques check out Secrets to Dog Training at http://goodpuppydog.info. Enjoy your dog; he is one of the best friends you and your family will ever have.
Deborah is an advocate for dog and cat training and natural health care and enjoys sharing resources that have helped to improve the bond between people and their pets. In doing so, she has created relationships with certain experts and in recommending their products may receive compensation.
Is it humane to muzzle my dog while Im gone (only for an hour)?
My pitbull has unbelievable separation anxiety and barks endlessly while Im gone. My neighbors complained to our lease office, but the lease office doesnt care; they said dogs bark and thats that. Im guessing my neighbors next call is going to be to the police on a noise ordinance. Ive spent thousands of dollars bringing this dog up from health and im attached to him (he’s a rescue animal) so giving him away is out of the question. my dog is only left by himself a maximum of two hours a day. is it humane to muzzle him while he’s left alone? i have one of those mesh ones with nose padding and he can breath fine. thanks for the help.
Have you tried other methods? Like giving him a kong? I once had a hound dog that would bay until we got home. Once we started giving her a kong filled with peanut butter and kibble, she was fine. She’d eat it all and then sleep. Just a suggestion…
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