Barking is a routine activity for dogs, but this isn’t a strong reason to pacify your frustrated neighbors and guests. It can be a frustrating experience to listen to the constant ringing sound of your door bell by neighbors who turn up to complain about your barking dog.

It’s practically unrealistic to anticipate your pet to be mute for most part of the day, or for that matter keep quiet in social surroundings. However, one can teach their dogs to decrease the wild carving for unwanted barking.

Just like human beings, dogs are attention seekers. They love to receive attention all the time. They will start barking when they feel bored or isolated. Most dogs are used to so much attention that they do not realize how they should behave in isolation. To an extent dog owners should be blamed for cultivating such habits amongst their pet. It’s perfectly okay for them to complain, when they experience a feeling of isolation and loneliness. Let’s learn how to tame them.

First and foremost, you must make your dog realize that barking for attention is not something which you appreciate. Most dogs are smart enough to realize that barking draws attention, which is why you need to be over smart to make them realize that this isn’t going to work on all occasions. Take the dog for a walk if you think that it is feeling extremely bored within the house.

Stop praising the dog when it is not required at all. Giving them too much attention can make them desperate attention seekers. There are many other reasons why your dog might bark. Find out the causes first in order to find an appropriate solution.

Make your dog learn the language. If you use the word "quiet" your dog should know that he or she needs to shut up. Make sure to praise the dog whenever your dog listens to your instructions. Praising your dog is an effective technique to make them learn things quickly. Keep your pet’s favorite food item within your reach to make him respond positively to your instructions.

Just like human beings, dogs learn from repetition. So you need to demonstrate things to them, and do it constantly till you feel the need to do so. Once they get into the routine they will start following the instructions at your command, and will no longer need your demonstration.

Despite your best efforts, if you are unable to see results with your training then you may want to take help from a certified veterinary or a pet behaviorist as they might be the last hope when all measures fail.

Most dogs love to bark. They are least bothered about the consequences. It’s a natural way of communication for them. Remember, your goal is not to stop them from barking completely, but to refrain them from barking excessively. Your training should be tailored keeping this in mind.

Training your dog on how to avoid unwanted barking will make life much easier for you and your neighbors, and most importantly you will start loving your dog all the more.

Jason Ladock

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