Dog Training Basics

Posts Tagged ‘dog barking behavior’

Understanding why your dog is barking is key to training your dog to stop barking. Over time you will learn to understand what your dog is trying to communicate through barking. Sometimes your dog will bark for the right reasons, when it needs to go to the toilet or when something is wrong. Don’t forget, there is good barking and bad barking!. Neighbours with barking dogs are annoying and it is up to you to train your dog about barking behaviour. Remember, you are the boss and your dog will follow your instruction about what to do and what not to do.

For more ideas for your training check out these reviews of the ultimate dog training packages available today. Go to Best Dog Training Product now.

Is your dog feeling bored, anxious or lonely?

The number 1 cause of uncontrolled barking is a dog who is feeling anxious and lonely. Does your dog spend the largest part of every day alone? To accomodate being left alone so long you will need to make sure your dog is getting one to one and a half hours of exercise per day, depending on breed. Try and fit in a long walk before or after work. Organising this can sometimes be difficult so why not engage the services of a professional dog walker. This attention will be welcomed by your dog. When you are out, try your dog with one of the many dog toys available on the market. Balls usually work well as toys and most dogs love bones to chew. .

Spending too much time alone is a common cause of barking. Dogs are very social animals requiring lots of attention, interation and communication. It is important that you spend a lot of time playing with your dog and showing it affection. Dogs need this to thrive. Find activities that include your dog, when at home. Dogs exhibit happiness if they are loved. A dog that is well attended to is also less likely to show other unwanted behaviors and you won’t need to Stop Your Dog Whining.

Is it playtime for your dog?

Giving in to barking so that you will stop what you are doing and play, is the worst thing you could do. A bad habit will be reinforced, if you do. Mutual respect is key to your relationship with your dog and harassing you in this way demonstrates lack of respect. Ignore this type of behavior if you want your dog to stop demanding your attention in this way. An effective way to do this is to turn your back to your dog, without responding and move away. This is likely to confuse your dog to start with. Since the barking behavior has worked in the past your dog may thinking that if it barks for just a little longer you will give in. Don’t Succumb! Be firm. You will probably have to endure worse barking before the barking improves. Lots of praise is required to reinforce the correct behaviour. Positive reinforcement is the key and your dog wants to please you. After a short time of consistent work your dog will re-learn this behavior and stop barking to attract your attention.

Effective dog training requires consistency. Pack animals such as dogs are most at ease and well behaved when they understand the pecking order. If you want your dog to be happy, well adjusted and well behaved it will have to respect your leadership. Remember, quiet does not always mean good. If your directions are clear your dog will learn when it is and is not appropriate to bark.

To find out more about training for your barking dog visit Dog Barking Problems.