3 Tips to Minimize
Incessant Barking
Ask any experienced dog owner and you will know that training a
dog to minimize barking is never easy. This is largely because dogs
bark for different reasons and part of your challenge is to identify his
motivation. You will never be able to help your dog rid the bad habit if
you are not aware of the cause of his barking. While there are several
techniques you can try, here are a few practical tips that might help.
Tip 1: Identify the motivation and remove it.
This means you have to observe your dog carefully and then find out
what makes him bark often. An example of this is when your dog has
the habit of barking at every person that passes by your house. Of
course, most dogs normally do this, but in case your pet is doing it
too much, then you really have to come up with a good solution. One
idea you can try is to limit your dog’s vision to the outside by installing
curtains. If that doesn’t seem to work, then put your pet in another
room away from the traffic.
Tip 2: Don’t pay attention to the barking.
This can be a bit difficult to do especially if the barking is starting to
get on your nerves. However, ignoring the barking is sometimes the
best step to take. Control the irritation and don’t yell at your dog.
Remember that losing your patience brings negative consequences.
It only encourages your dog to bark harder next time around because
he knows he’ll get your attention. Also, shouting seems like you are
joining him in the noise. This only encourages him.Giving a treat is
only acceptable once your pet is silent for a while. Otherwise, your dog
may get the wrong message and think that barking is a way to get those
treats.
Tip 3: Teach your dog basic commands.
It will likely require several weeks, if not months, but this can be very
rewarding. Teach him to bark and stop on command. Say “speak”
when you want him to bark and “quiet” when you want him to stop.
Reward him with a treat or give him a gentle pat as he obeys. Spend at
least 15 to 30 minutes each day doing this in a quiet place. You can
then change to a more crowded location (like the park or your yard) to
train your dog to follow the commands despite outside pressures from
distracting stimuluses. When all these tricks still fail, you can take other
actions such as taking your pet to a professional trainer or a veterinarian.
Some dog owners say that using shock collars can be effective in
stopping your dog from barking, but shock collars are inhumane and
can cause other problems. Whistle collars that emit a high-pitched
sound can distract your dog away from the reason he is barking or a
spray collar that disburses a spray of water at your dog is another safe
humane alternative to try.
Planned Pethood
Non-Profit Veterinary Clinic
www.plannedpethoodpasco.org
We go the extra mile to put your pet at ease and
provide the exceptional care you both deserve.
813-779-7000
• Spay • Neuter • Dentals
• Heartworm Treatment
• Surgeries by Appointment
• Vaccination and Walk In Wellness
• Clinics Mon-Sat 9:30am - 2:30pm
Grooming Services Available
37815 State Road 54 | Zephyrhills, FL 33542
Mon.-Sat. 8am-5pm | Call for appointments
Pet Photo Contest Winners
FIRST PLACE
MEET BRITTANY
Who decided she was a better driver
Sent in by owner Rick Hamilton
Winners Receive a Gift
Certificate for their pet
from Dog-Mania & Cats
SECOND PLACE
MEET AJAX
Napping with his buddy Noah
Sent in by owner Robin Ringeisen
January 2018 Community Magazine 21