BARK CONTROL: HOW TO STOP YOUR DOG'S EXCESSIVE BARKING

Why dogs bark. How you can stop the barking.

Does your dog bark too much? If so, you've come to the right place. The purpose of this article is to help solve problems with excessive barking. Notice that the intention is not to stop your dog from ever barking again - that's an unfair and unrealistic expectation, since almost every dog barks at least occasionally as a means of communication. If your dog barks frequently for minutes (or hours) on end, however, there are solutions to this annoying habit.

TIP #1: Give him something to do other than bark

If your dog barks excessively from boredom, then your solution is pretty simple... Give him something else to do! If your dog spends most of his time locked in the house or backyard by himself, then he's probably turned to barking as a source of entertainment. So, play a game of fetch with him, give him a rawhide to chew, take him for a walk, or give him a food puzzle. The more you tire him out and distract him, the less energy he'll have to bark.

TIP #2: Teach him a "Quiet" command

If you can't simply distract your dog from barking excessively, you can try to teach him a "quiet" command.

STEP 1: When your dog is on a barking binge, wait quietly by his side. When he stops barking for a moment (1 - 2 seconds), say "Quiet" and give him a treat and praise. Repeat this scenario consistently with your dog for about a week to familiarize him with what the word "Quiet" means. You'll know that he recognizes the command when you say it and he immediately gives you his attention in anticipation of a treat.

STEP 2: Once your dog is familiar with the Quiet command, you can begin using it to quiet him when he barks. When your dog begins a round of excessive barking, say "Quiet". If he stops barking, give him a treat and praise. If he does not stop barking, sharply say, "No, Quiet". If he stops barking after your verbal correction, give him a treat and praise. If your dog still does not stop barking when you verbally correct him, calmly clip a leash to his collar and lead him away from the area to help him calm down. If your dog is crate trained, you may decide to put him in his crate for a few minutes while he settles down.

TIP #3: Buy a bark collar

If you are simply unable to solve your dog's barking problem through distraction or a "Quiet" command, it may be time to try a bark collar. Bark collars curb excessive barking by correcting your dog every time he barks. While a bark collar is generally not the first course of action to try (in other words, try Tips 1 and 2 first!), it may be necessary if your dog's excessive barking draws complaints from neighbors or if your dog barks excessively to the point that it is unhealthy for him.

Some bark collars use static correction, similar to the sensation of rubbing your stocking feet on carpet and touching metal. Others use a spray of citronella aimed at your dog's face. Bark collars that use static-based correction are a better option, because they are less aversive to your dog than citronella. While static correction stops the moment your dog stops barking, the puff of citronella lingers around your dog's sensitive nose, correcting him even when he's already quiet. If you're looking for a safe, effective bark collar, consider the Innotek Free Spirit Automatic No-Bark Collar . This unit delivers stimulation only when your dog barks and is not activated by other sounds or the barking of other dogs.