Barking is a natural way for dogs to communicate, but it can be very irritating if they bark continuously. Experts say that with the right methods, you can get a barking dog to quiet down.
According to the UK’s “Daily Express,” experts from the Dogs Trust charity organization have stated that scolding dogs when they bark is a wrong training method, and this common habit among owners could worsen the situation.
The key to reducing or preventing a dog’s barking lies in understanding the reasons behind it. When you understand what a dog wants to achieve through barking, you can tell them that they can get what they want by behaving calmly and quietly.
Experts warn that while a dog’s barking can be frustrating, one should never scold them. Scolding could make them feel anxious or confused, exacerbating the barking.
It is important to teach your dog to communicate in calmer ways. When a dog barks to get a specific response, such as barking at another dog, it is important to let them know that quieter and safer behavior can achieve the same result.
One effective method is to divert their attention. Since dogs cannot bark and sniff at the same time, putting treats on the ground can shift their focus from barking to eating.
By consistently applying these methods, over time, the dog will learn to remain quiet instead of barking continuously, leading to more favorable outcomes.
The above suggestions may not be applicable in all situations. For instance, if your dog barks during meal times, it is advised to ignore their barking and only feed them once they have stopped barking.
When your dog barks, you can also turn and walk away, engage in an activity in another room, and when they quiet down, offer praise and attention along with a toy to play with. This game serves as an excellent reward for them to remain quiet.
Ultimately, prevention is key, so it is important to keep your dog away from barking triggers and gradually instill these habits.
Additionally, dog trainer and animal behaviorist Amelia Steele, in an interview with the UK’s “The Guardian,” shared her views on reducing dog barking.
Steele emphasized the importance of identifying the reasons behind a dog’s barking, whether it is due to fear, alertness, overexcitement, or frustration, and addressing their underlying emotional issues.
For example, if your dog barks at other dogs while on a walk, you can observe whether they are fearful of the other dogs and attempt to change their perception to elicit a positive response. Giving them treats while they look at another dog can help them feel good about seeing other dogs.
She mentioned that some dogs naturally bark more aggressively than others due to their breed or personality. For instance, her German Shepherd would bark loudly at the door, while her Golden Retriever would simply sit there gazing into the distance.
In daily life, a dog’s barking can affect others’ lives or work, such as mail carriers. The American Kennel Club points out that even the most gentle dogs may bark vigorously when a mail carrier appears because it is their nature. Dogs tend to have protective instincts, and some breeds are naturally more territorial.
Regarding how to stop dogs from barking at mail carriers, experts suggest using commands like “quiet.” For more information, click on “How to stop dogs from barking at mail carriers?”.