Is Your Dog Barking Constantly? Here’s What You Should Do
Dogs barking at each other is not uncommon behavior. It is said that dogs communicate with each other that way. After all, that’s the only way they can talk. But if your dog barks incessantly at every dog it sees or the passersby, there could be a problem. Plus, it’s a nuisance for the dog owners as well.
Fret not, you can curb such behavior and get your dog to behave in several ways. These furry animals just need a bit of training and lots of treats to get their ways right. Here, I discuss how to stop your dog from barking at other dogs.
Why Do Dogs Bark At Other Dogs?
But first, let’s understand why dogs bark at other dogs in the first place.
Communication: Dogs communicate by barking at each other. That’s how they greet or share their concern, excitement, and curiosity.
Territorial Behavior: Dogs are highly territorial. They try to protect their territory by getting aggressive with other dogs, and they can only communicate by barking. That’s how they send a warning and defend what’s theirs. They might bark at strangers visiting your house or anyone who might look like they are a threat to them or you.
Fear or Anxiety: When a dog feels threatened by the intention of another dog, they might bark out of fear or anxiety of being attacked.
Attention-Seeking: Dogs bark to get the attention of their owners, either because they want to go out for a walk or to play.
Canines also bark to socialize with other dogs, out of frustration or because that’s their learned behavior.
How To Stop Your Dog From Barking
When the barking becomes incessant, no matter what the reason, you need to put a stop to it. Your dog isn’t barking without a reason; if you find the reason, you can train them to behave in a certain way. Here’s what to do.
Find the Reason:
The first step is to find the reason why they’re barking. See if it's because they want attention or they feel anxious or bored. Once you find the trigger, you can take an appropriate course of action.
Alert/Warning: Dogs often bark to alert their owners of potential intruders or unusual activities. This type of barking is usually sharp and insistent.
Attention-Seeking: If your dog barks to get your attention, whether for food, play, or affection, this is considered attention-seeking behavior.
Anxiety/Fear: Dogs may bark out of anxiety or fear, especially in unfamiliar situations or around unfamiliar people or animals.
Boredom/Loneliness: A dog left alone for long periods might bark out of boredom or loneliness.
Playfulness/Excitement: Some dogs bark when they are excited or during playtime. This barking tends to be more upbeat and intermittent.
2. Remove the Motivation:
Once you know why they’re barking, you can remove the trigger and curb their behavior.
For instance, if they’re barking at the passerby, you can close the curtains to block their view. Limiting their access to the view outside can keep their behavior in check. If your dog gets triggered by certain sounds, you can get them a white noise machine to drown the triggering noises or play calming music for them.
Desensitizing them to the noises is also helpful. This is done by first exposing them to the triggering noises at a low volume, and rewarding them if they remain calm.
3. Physical Exercises:
If your dog is adequately tired, they will be less inclined to bark. You can tire them by taking them out for a long walk or run. Take them out at least two times a day and give them plenty of physical stimulation.
Playing with them is another helpful solution. You can play fetch, which will tire them beyond measure if you do it enough times.
4. Teach the “Quiet” Command:
Training your dog to be quiet on command is a useful technique to calm them. It’s really simply to do. When your dog starts barking, ask them to be “quiet” in a firm voice. Soon enough, your dog will stop barking, maybe just to take a breath.
When they do, give them a treat and praise them. Do this repeatedly until the behavior is instilled. This will encourage them to stop barking at the command.
5. Teach the “Speak” Command:
Getting your dog to bark at command can also curb incessant barking. Use the “speak” command to get them to bark, then use the “quiet” command to get them to stop barking. Repeat the exercise a few times. Give them treats for following the commands obediently. In no time will, your dog get used to the commands and behave the way you want them to behave.
6. Manage Separation Anxiety:
The barking could also be because the dog isn’t accustomed to being away from you. The solution is to acclimatize them to the separation.
If your dog’s barking is related to separation anxiety, it’s important to address the root cause. Separation anxiety can be challenging to manage, but there are several strategies that can help:
Gradual Departures: Gradually increase the time you spend away from your dog to help them get used to being alone. Start with short departures and slowly extend the duration over time.
Comfort Items: Leave your dog with items that have your scent, such as a piece of clothing. This can provide comfort and reduce anxiety.
Safe Space: Create a comfortable and safe space for your dog to stay while you’re away. This could be a specific room or a crate where they feel secure.
Professional Help: In severe cases of separation anxiety, consult a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer. They may recommend behavior modification techniques or medications to help manage your dog's anxiety.
7. Seek Professional Help:
Training your dog can be highly time-consuming and stressful. If you don’t have the time or energy to train your dog, you can hire professionals. K9 Academy has a team of dog behavioral experts that provide group dog training sessions where we train canines to behave appropriately, which includes curbing incessant barking.
Choose K9 Academy To Train Your Dog
At K9 Academy, we specialize in providing comprehensive group dog training sessions designed to bring about positive behavioral changes in dogs. Our expert trainers employ proven, science-based methods to ensure effective learning and long-lasting results. Whether you have a playful puppy or an adult dog, our programs cater to all ages and breeds, focusing on obedience, socialization, and specific behavioral issues.
Our group sessions offer a unique opportunity for dogs to learn in a dynamic, social environment. This not only enhances their training but also improves their social skills with both humans and other dogs. We cover essential commands, leash training, and address common behavioral problems such as excessive barking, jumping, and aggression.
We understand that each dog is unique. Our trainers work closely with dog owners, providing personalized guidance and support to reinforce training at home. Our goal is to foster a harmonious relationship between you and your dog, creating a well-behaved and happy canine companion.
Join K9 Academy and experience the transformation in your dog's behavior. With our expert-led group sessions, you'll see remarkable improvements, making life with your furry friend more enjoyable and stress-free. Enroll today and embark on a journey towards better behavior and stronger bonds.
Conclusion
Dogs are docile animals. They will mold themselves to please their owners as long as they’re aware that they’re causing you trouble. The above-mentioned steps will let them know that their behavior is causing you distress. A few simple commanding techniques, along with making them comfortable in their own space, will keep them calm and quiet.
