How to train a Dog Lesson 7

Barking is a dog’s way of communicating and when your dog is barking, there is often a reason for him doing so. Your dog may be barking for a number of reasons, such as boredom, excitement or to alert you to something that he can hear but you can’t.

Barking is a problem that can usually be relatively easy to overcome. This is especially true if your dog receives a lot of attention, has a lot of toys to play with to stop him from getting bored and is getting the right amount of exercise.

As an owner, you could start with simple methods of training using your dog’s collar and lead. When your dog begins to bark, give a firm tug on the lead and tell him ‘no’ in a stern voice. Hopefully your dog will realise that when he barks he will be punished and eventually his barking should stop.

However, if this simple method of training does not work, you may have to use more advanced methods of training in order for his barking to stop. Many of you may find that your dog barks when you are not there. This could be because your dog is bored or because he misses you. To solve this problem, try leaving the radio on when you go out, on a station where the presenters are talking for the majority of the time.. By hearing these voices, your dog may be convinced that you are still in the house and his barking will stop.

If this fails and your dog still continues to bark, record a normal family conversation using a continuous tape, using the word ‘no’ a couple of times throughout the recording. Put this tape on when you go out and because your dog will think that you are still there, he won’t bark because he knows it’s wrong and doesn’t want to be told off.

If all other methods fail, one day pretend that you are going out. Make it convincing by jangling your keys and shutting and locking the front door, as dogs are very perceptive and can pick up on your emotions. Have a slice of lemon to hand and when your dog begins to bark, open the door and squeeze a couple of drops of lemon juice on his tongue. Your dog won’t like the bitter taste and will stop barking immediately. This method may have to be carried out a couple of times in order for your dogs barking to stop but it is worth the time and effort in the long run.

Over time, you should be able to stop your dog’s barking by just telling him ‘no’ in a firm voice which leads to a calmer, happier environment and neighbors who love your dog rather than reach for the ear plugs all day!