Barking is a dog’s nature. When a dog is anxious, wants its owner’s attention, or is excited, it will bark. Just as humans talk to each other to communicate, dogs talk to each other, but most importantly to their owner. Barking is completely normal, but sometimes a dog’s bark can be quite loud. Do you want to stop your dog from barking excessively? We have listed a number of useful tips for you. Follow the steps and get your four-legged friend to stop barking step by step.
Why do dogs bark?
People talk, laugh, scream and whisper. Dogs also express feelings and emotions clearly. One more – and louder – than the other. Dogs are very similar to humans in that regard. Barking dogs don’t bite, they just want to tell you something. If you listen carefully to your little four-legged friend, you can discover six different types of barking. Any reason for barking requires a specific approach. If you want to stop your dog from barking, you must first find out what is causing the barking.
Learn your dog’s language
A dog generally barks for six different reasons:
- The happy barking
Coming home after a long day at work? Grab the collar for a walk? Or do you go to the cupboard where the dog treats are hidden? Then chances are good that your dog will greet you with a happy bark. You can recognize the joyful barking by the enthusiastic, high tone. - The alarming barking
Dogs are alert. Something unexpected happened or your dog gets scared? Then there is an alarming, warning bark. A dog does this to warn other dogs or its owner. Do you want to turn your dog into a real guard dog? Then you can teach him to bark in case of (imminent) danger. - The frightened barking
Is a dog stressed? Then he shows it by barking high – and sometimes hysterically. What causes the stress varies from dog to dog. An encounter with people they do not know, exciting objects or the fear of being left alone could be the cause. - The protective bark
A dog is a real guard animal. They defend their owner, protect a toy or something tasty; the protective bark, often accompanied by growls and baring of teeth, is an expression of fear and a way of chasing someone or an animal away. - The bored barking
Even dogs get frustrated sometimes. In a situation where a dog is not comfortable, e.g. B. if he is alone for a long time, the barking can be a little distracting. This restless form of barking, in which the animal sometimes lets off steam with a stuffed animal out of boredom, means that the dog is feeling stressed. - The learned barking
Dogs are smart. If the animal realizes that barking is helping it get its way, a dog has the final say. A dog also uses learned barking as a way to get attention.
Break the habit of barking: an obedient dog
Why do dogs bark? Because they want to tell you something. Of course, you don’t want to completely wean your four-legged friend from barking. But it shouldn’t become an annoying or annoying habit. Does your dog bark more than you would like? There are several ways to stop excessive barking. We give you seven tips to help you stop unwanted barking. These tips & tricks work with both puppies and adult dogs.
1. Keep calm! The sound makes the music!
When a dog barks, it does so for a reason. Don’t fret, keep calm and don’t raise your voice. The louder you speak, the more a dog will think you’re barking along.
2. Reward good behavior
Dogs are inquisitive. Teach your little rascal the quiet command. Tip: Reward the dog when the animal listens carefully. Before you know it, the unwanted barking is over.
3. Create distraction
Is it just not working to teach a command? Then distract your dog as soon as the barking starts. You can do this by grabbing or dropping his favorite toy.
4. Set standards, let off steam together
Does your dog bark when he’s home alone? Before you leave the house, take a brisk walk or play wild games. As soon as you step out the door, your little four-legged friend will curl up in his basket and take a nap.
5. Provide protection
A dog is territorial. The more «danger» the four-legged friend sees, the louder it barks. A high fence in the garden and curtains in front of the window restrict the dog’s vision and distract him.
6. Be quick
The be-all and end-all when breaking the habit of barking is: be quick. The sooner a dog understands that barking is an undesirable behavior, the sooner the dog will learn what you expect from them.
7. Behavior Therapy
Just can’t control your dog’s barking? Your dog insurance will cover the cost of behavioral therapy if the vet refers it.