Mastering Dog Behavior: Effective Approaches to Stop Barking Behaviors.
- Valerie Twigg
- May 14, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: May 14, 2024
Hello Savannah, GA dog owners!
If you're here, you're likely seeking solutions for excessive barking. Whether it's basic barking, barking in the crate, or exhibiting behaviors like barking out windows or at other things while on a walk, these actions can be troublesome for both you and your furry friend.
In this article, I aim to provide a comprehensive guide to addressing various forms of dog barking. You'll discover practical how-to guides, informative videos, helpful checklists, and targeted training exercises designed to deepen your understanding of your dog's behavior and equip you with effective strategies to curb aggression and excessive barking.
Feel free to read the whole article, or skip ahead to training sections that best explain how to put a stop to your dog’s particular type of barking:
How to Put an End to Dog Barking at Night/How to Halt Puppy Barking at Night:
If you're dealing with a dog or puppy that won't stop barking at night, here are some steps to consider:
1. Assess Your Dog's Sleeping Arrangement:
If your dog sleeps outside, it might be time to reconsider. Dogs thrive on social interaction and being outdoors alone can lead to discomfort, especially with varying weather conditions and nocturnal critters. If outdoor sleeping is a must, consider creating a cozy spot inside the garage or finding an indoor space where your dog can sleep in a crate or kennel.
2. Utilize a Crate or Kennel at Night:
Many dogs bark excessively when left to roam freely in the house at night. They might react to noises or sights outside, leading to disruptions. For such dogs, crate training can be beneficial. The crate serves as a silent teacher, helping them learn to settle down and sleep peacefully. Keep the crate devoid of any items like food, water, or toys overnight, as some dogs may chew on them. A bare crate encourages relaxation and sleep.
3. Address Barking or Whining in the Crate:
Some dogs become particularly vocal inside their crates, either due to needing to go outside for potty breaks or simply wanting to be released. If your dog's barking or whining persists, try implementing a pattern interrupt. This technique aims to distract the dog from its current behavior, encouraging it to adopt a new, quieter pattern. Options include tossing a bean bag near the crate, clapping loudly, or using a shake can (a can containing pennies that creates a distracting noise when shaken). If pattern interrupts prove ineffective and ignoring the behavior doesn't work, you may need to resort to correction.
Correction methods vary. If your crate is positioned near your bed, using a spray bottle filled with water to gently spritz the dog when it's vocal can be effective. Alternatively, consider using a citronella collar or a bark collar, but ensure to choose a reputable brand to avoid discomfort or ineffectiveness. Avoid purchasing bark collars from pet stores, as they often stock inferior quality products. Instead, opt for trusted brands available online, such as the one recommended here with free shipping from Amazon.
To learn a bit on how to use a corrective collar properly and humanely give the video bellow a watch!
Addressing Excessive Barking Towards Neighbors: Effective Solutions
If your dog is barking at your neighbors, we need to address one of two scenarios.
Is your dog barking at neighbors while you're at home or when you're away from home?
Barking while you're at home:
There are several strategies we can employ. It's important to recognize that barking at neighbors stems from a territorial and protective instinct in your dog, rather than conscious thought. Your dog is instinctively responding to perceived threats to the home environment. However, we can counteract this behavior by fostering a calm mindset in your dog.
Calmness is the antithesis of chaos or anxiety in your dog's mind. By promoting a state of calmness, we can effectively mitigate barking at neighbors. How do we achieve this?
Through obedience training!
While many dogs may have a grasp of basic obedience commands like sit, lay down, or shake, there's a significant distinction between knowing these commands and executing them reliably, especially in distracting situations. If your dog responds well to obedience commands, such as a strong recall (come) or a solid down-stay, addressing the barking issue becomes straightforward. For instance, upon noticing your dog barking at neighbors, swiftly prompt a recall command followed by a down-stay. Through consistent repetition, your dog will associate barking with the expectation of obedience commands, eventually preemptively returning to you without needing a prompt. However, if your dog's obedience isn't at this level yet, it's essential to work on improving it. This typically begins with leash training and progresses to off-leash training. Consider enrolling in a comprehensive training program to achieve this goal.
Barking while you are away:
If your dog exhibits this behavior when you're not present, your options are limited, as effective communication with your dog isn't possible in your absence. In such cases, corrective measures may be necessary.
While ultrasonic trainers are generally ineffective, options like citronella collars or bark collars can be considered. However, exercise caution and opt for reputable brands rather than purchasing from pet stores, which often stock subpar products. Here's a cost-effective bark collar available on Amazon.
Additionally, if your dog barks when left alone, addressing this issue presents challenges due to the absence of direct communication. As mentioned earlier, effective training relies on consistent communication of desired behaviors, which becomes challenging when you're not present.
My Dog Barks at Everything!
We often encounter clients with dogs that bark at every little thing. These dogs tend to be overly neurotic, anxious, and fearful, exhibiting behaviors such as barking at noises, lights, shadows, or even the neighbors upstairs in an apartment setting. For such dogs, the solution lies less in correcting the barking itself and more in addressing the underlying anxiety and nervousness.
Strategies to help alleviate your dog's anxiety:
Teach New Skills:
Engaging your dog in activities like nose work, agility, or retrieval can significantly boost confidence. These activities provide constructive outlets for your dog's energy and focus, shifting their attention away from perceived threats to achievements and praise.
Prioritize Obedience Training:
Obedience training plays a crucial role in addressing 'Chaos Behaviors,' such as irrational and incessant barking. By instilling calmness, structure, and control through obedience training, we can effectively counteract chaotic responses to external stimuli.
Let's illustrate this with an example: imagine your dog barks at every sound outside. By teaching a solid down-stay command, you can redirect your dog's focus and override the urge to bark. Most dogs find it challenging to maintain both a structured physical position and a chaotic mindset simultaneously. Thus, the act of obeying a command like down-stay helps calm the mind, leading to a reduction in barking over time.Whether it's a down-stay, a place command, or a recall paired with obedience, the goal is to guide your dog through their challenges and eventually eliminate the unwanted behaviors altogether.
The key lies in strengthening obedience commands to a level where they can effectively override fear and anxiety triggers. While many dog owners may have basic obedience commands in place, achieving the level of obedience required to address anxiety-induced barking can be challenging.
If you're struggling, remember that assistance is available. We offer various options to support you and your dog on this journey, reach out here!
Want to learn how to get your dog to listen the first time? Give this a watch!
Dealing with a Dog that Won't Stop Barking in the Crate
If you're grappling with a dog that incessantly barks while confined in the crate, here are some strategies to consider:
1. Experiment with Crate Placement:
Sometimes, relocating the crate to a different area of the house can make a difference. Placing it in a quieter section where your dog is less likely to be disturbed by external noises might help them relax. However, some dogs find comfort in being close to household activities, so proximity to the family's hustle and bustle might be more soothing for them.
2. Explore Different Crate Styles:
Dogs in wire crates may bark more due to the lack of enclosure. Many dogs have a natural 'den instinct' and prefer a more enclosed space. Consider switching to a plastic or enclosed crate, or simply add a cover to the wire crate to provide a cozier environment. This change can alleviate discomfort and reduce barking.
3. Employ Ignoring Strategy:
Some dogs bark in the crate as a means to garner attention. It's crucial not to reinforce this behavior by giving in to their demands. Instead, ignore the barking completely. By withholding attention, you can discourage the behavior over time.
4. Address Persistent Barking:
For dogs that continue barking even without attention, corrective measures may be necessary. In such cases, a bark collar could be effective in deterring the behavior. Alternatively, a citronella collar might also prove successful in curbing excessive barking.
By implementing these steps, you can effectively address your dog's incessant barking in the crate and create a more peaceful environment for both you and your furry companion.
My dog barks out the window
Establish a Strong Recall:
Most dogs lack a reliable recall, especially in distracting situations like barking at windows. Training your dog to come when called is essential. Ensure that your dog understands that obeying the recall command is non-negotiable, as it could prevent dangerous situations like running into the street or getting lost.
One common mistake dog owners make is giving commands they can't enforce. To reinforce the recall command effectively, consider using a leash indoors initially. While it might seem cumbersome, it allows you to follow through with commands and provide necessary reinforcement. As your dog progresses, you can gradually transition to a shorter leash or eventually off-leash training. Alternatively, you can utilize an e-collar for training purposes.
Utilize Recall Promptly:
Once you've established a strong recall, use it promptly when your dog begins to show signs of barking at the window. Timing is crucial—ideally, call your dog as soon as they start getting worked up. Even if you're a bit late, still issue the recall command and ensure you can follow through with either a leash or electric collar.
Consistent Repetition:
Consistency is the key to success. Repetition of the recall command in conjunction with the dog's emotional state helps reinforce the desired behavior. Over time, your dog will associate their heightened emotional state with your recall commands. They'll learn that every time they start getting agitated, their owner calls them away from the window. Eventually, your dog may even proactively seek you out, expecting a recall when stimulated by external triggers.
It's imperative to maintain consistency in your training efforts. If you're unable to call your dog away from the window, ensure they don't have access to it during those times to prevent reinforcement of the unwanted behavior.
Addressing Barking During Walks
There could be various reasons behind this behavior:
A dog with poor manners, simply reacting to squirrels or noises.
A reactive dog.
A genuinely aggressive dog attempting to bite.
Regardless of the cause, I'd like to introduce you to a technique that could either eliminate or significantly reduce barking during walks: The "Crazy Man" Method. This leash training approach focuses on teaching your dog to walk calmly by your side, diverting attention away from triggers that prompt barking. By incorporating frequent directional changes, the method aims to foster focus and attentiveness towards you, ultimately curbing the urge to bark.
For a comprehensive demonstration of this technique, refer to our training video:
Training Your Dog to Ignore Other Canines:
Many dog owners grappling with aggression issues often seek to train their dogs to ignore other dogs, which is a prudent strategy. Socialization doesn't always entail play; it's about teaching your dog to respond appropriately to their surroundings. For some dogs, this means learning to disregard other dogs. Discussed in more depth in our "Effective Methods for Managing Dog Reactivity: Aggression, Barking, Biting, and Attacks" a quick glance at the problem areas below can point you in the right direction to start tackling your dogs reactivity!
Problem areas for reactive dogs:
1. Communication problems:
When your dog seems disobedient, it might simply be due to unclear communication. Dogs can't follow commands they don't understand.
2. Relationship problems:
Dogs who don't respect their owners or perceive them as leaders may exhibit behaviors stemming from insecurity or fear.
3. Lack of focus:
Many behavioral issues stem from a lack of focus, where dogs become fixated on distractions rather than their owners. To train your dog to ignore other canines, focus training is key. This involves building spacial awareness, teaching your dog to prioritize your presence over distractions.
Comments