Dog Training and Tricks - Dog Barking Problems

Dog Training and Tricks Explains
Why You May Have Dog Barking Problems

One of the most annoying problem behaviors that a dog can exhibit; is a dog barking problem. It important to analyze the reasons behind a dog barking, so that the dog barking problem can be stopped. It is usually something in the environment that triggers the barking. If the dog is trying to assert dominance over another dog or animal that it is around, it can also start to bark. Maybe it is trying to stake out its territory or it may be barking just for the fun of it. If a dog is not socialized when it is young it may have a barking problem and it may also bark when it hears neighbourhood dogs barking. Dog training and tricks can offer solutions.

How to Stop Dog Barking Problems With Dog Training and Tricks

If an owner rewards the dog in some way, even if it is through negative attention, the barking problem can escalate. The owner must make it clear to the dog that barking is not an acceptable behavior and it must never be rewarded.

Yelling at the dog for barking is only negatively reinforcing the behavior by giving it attention. It is also reinforcing the negative behavior if the dog is barking outside and the owner lets it in. The owner must never comfort the dog when it barks or give it a treat to 'calm it down,' as this is also reinforcing the dog barking problem and it will continue.

Here are a couple of dog training and tricks methods to correct dog barking problems. One is not to react when the dog barks at such things as the phone ringing or the doorbell. If this is a problem, next time the phone or doorbell rings, the owner should just sit there and not react to it. This demonstrates to the dog that there is not anything to be stressed out about when those sounds occur. It is helpful to have someone ring the doorbell or the phone regularly when training the dog so that he gets used to the sound and can see that no reaction is needed when those sounds are heard.

There are also ways to prevent the dog barking problem if it occurs when the owner is not in the home. Make sure the dog gets sufficient exercise and has plenty of things to play with so that he is not bored or stressed out when left alone. This cannot be emphasized enough. It is difficult to understand how exercise can stop dog barking problems, but in fact, exercise can stop many dog behaviour problems.

Chasing a ball around the yard is not sufficient exercise. Walking with a dog that is made to stay beside you, bonds the two of you and makes the dog feel as though it is doing something worthwhile, something important.

Remember, when the dog is not barking he should be praised. However, when he is barking, there should be a negative association such as a loud noise or a bark collar.