Stop Barking Dogs The Easy Way
May 4th, 2008 by Lacy Holly
We’ve all heard one at one point or another in our lives. A dog that just seems to bark at anything and everything and wont stop. It is even worse when it is your own dog and you have no clue what is causing it or how to even stop barking dogs in the first place.
You should be relieved to find out that all dogs bark for a reason, even though the reasons may not always stand out as clearly as we would have hoped. However, we do know that the main reason for dog barking is warn us of strangers who are walking near by.
If your dog is a chronic barker then you may need to look at several different causes before finding the right one that will stop a barking dog successfully. The majority of the time a dog barks because he is bored. If you have been very busy lately and haven’t been spending as much time with your furry friend as you’d like this may be the reason for your barking troubles.
Always make sure that your dog has plenty to eat and drink because a hungry dog will turn to barking in order to let you know he is hungry or thirsty. Also, check the temperature outside. Is it very hot or very cold? If so, consider giving your dog some relief by letting him come inside or at least getting him a dog house where he can have some protection from the elements.
So in reality, the trick to stop barking dogs is three fold. Make sure they have their immediate needs of food, water and shelter. Spend some quality time with them and have something for them to play with when you are not home. Chew toys work great for this.
Dog obedience training will also make a huge difference as you will be able to give your dog a command when necessary that lets him know when to stop barking. Plus, dog training will also help you and your dog develop a stronger relationship and bond.
Consider your neighbors. This is something I am well aware of because I was the neighbor of a chronic barker myself and I am well aware of how stressful it can be to have a dog you don’t own bark all throughout the day and night. Don’t be upset if your neighbor comes to you in desperation asking you to do something about the barking. Consider the possibility that your dog may bark a lot more when you are not home.
Even though we may be tempted to stop dog barking completely, keep in mind that barking is the main form of communication your dog has. You don’t want to eliminate his ability to speak to you. So the focus here is to make sure his needs are met and then to teach him proper barking etiquette. When it is alright to go bark and when you have heard enough.
