Barking
PetExpertise
Dogs bark for many reasons. The more common ones are listed below with some ideas for solving the problem.
I. He wants attention:
He may want you to play or get up and feed him. Whatever it is.. Don't do it! If
you do, you will be teaching him that barking "works" to get his owner moving. Say
"leave it" and then Ignore him (don't even look at him - walk away or go into
another room and close the door) until he stops for a few seconds and relaxes and
then you may do what he would like you to do. For the long term, make an effort to
initiate activities he enjoys and make them happen on your schedule. Make sure that
everything he gets he "earns". Have him "sit" to go outside, or get his leash put
on, his food bowl, petting, etc.
II. He hears or sees something interesting:
When you are home:
1. Prevent: Block the source of sound/sights using a fan or blinds or keeping him
in a different area of the house.
2. Teach "Quiet":
When he barks, wag a piece of food/treat in front of his nose as you say "Quiet"
when he stops barking to sniff the treat, C/T (click or say "yes" and feed a
treat). Repeat. After about 3 trials this way, go to just "pretending" to hold out
a treat and say "Quiet" when he obeys, C/T as usual. C/T again every few seconds
for him remaining quiet.
Reward him for choosing to be quiet on his own when he hears or sees something
that usually makes him bark.
3. Use a "Time Out":
A "Time Out" (TO) should be used infrequently. By removing the dog from his social
circle, you are administering what is called a negative punishment. This punishment
can have side-effects that we don't necessarily want like him learning that you
walking towards him is a bad thing. This is why the TO should be used sparingly and
an emphasis should be put on teaching the dog an alternative behavior that you
prefer and preventing the misbehavior.
First decide on a spot to use as a TO. The best spot is one that your dog will
find neither scary or wonderful and is safe for him. Good examples are a gated
pantry, bathroom (remove the toilet paper first!) or tether. If your dog does not
mind his crate, you can use that as a TO area. Have him wear a short leash. When
your dog barks, say "time out" in a neutral voice, walk calmly to him, grasp the
rope and walk him gently but firmly to his time out space. Place him there for 5
minutes (or longer if you need a time out from him!). After the 5 minutes, if he is
calm, release him. He may need you to demonstrate this a few time before he
understands which behavior is earning him the TO.
4. Use a Citronella Spray Collar:
This should be reserved for when you "can't take it anymore!" and the barking is
not associated with fear or aggression.
When you are not home:
1. Prevent: Block the source of sound/sights using a fan or blinds or keeping him
in a different area of the house.
2. Use a Citronella Spray Collar: This should be reserved for when you "can't take
it anymore!" and the barking is not associated with fear or aggression. You will
have to first use the collar when you are home to make sure he understands how it
works.
On a walk (barking at other dogs, people. or cars, etc out of
excitement):
1. Teach him "Watch Me":
Begin in the house with few distractions present. Say your dog's name and "Watch
me" while holding a treat to your nose. C/T (click and treat) when your dog looks
at the treat for 1 second. Practice this 10 times. Then practice it while only
"pretending" to have a treat. This will become your hand signal. C/T as usual.
Build up the length of time that your dog can continue watching you. Practice
"watch me" while you are walking around inside. Practice "watch me" while you are
outside (you may need to revert to showing him the treat for a few reps.) Practice
"watch me" when you are outside near something interesting. Practice "watch me" in
a situation when he would normally bark.
2. If you have already taught Quiet (see above):
When he begins to bark or you see one of his triggers, say "Quiet" and C/T. C/T
every few seconds that he remains quiet. Teach him that his trigger means "Quiet".
Example: barking at cars. Whenever a car goes by waggle a treat in his face and
bring it towards yours. When he looks at you C/T. Repeat until he voluntarily looks
at you (without barking) when a car is coming.
3. Reward Calm Behavior:
When you come upon something that usually makes him bark and he hasn't barked,
C/T.
4. Escape!:
If he is unable to respond to the "Quiet" cue (or doesn't know it yet) just turn
around and calmly walk away from the thing that is getting him so excited. Reward
him when he becomes calm. .
5. Use a Citronella Spray Collar: This should be reserved for when you "can't take
it anymore!" and the barking is not associated with fear or aggression..
III. He is afraid, aggressive or territorial:
1. Prevent outbursts by crating, gating, blocking windows, using a fan or not
taking him places that cause him to have outbursts. This is not meant to be a
permanent solution, but is helpful while you are teaching him that he does not need
to be afraid. It is best to do this for 7 days before beginning training to give
his body and mind a chance to calm down..
2. Stay calm..
3. Consider hiring a professional positive trainer for private sessions..
4. Get him to change his mind about what he is upset about:.
Teach him that, what he was upset about before now predicts his favorite things.
When the trigger appears at a distance, C/T (click and treat). Gradually get him
closer to the trigger and C/T frequently. For a territorially aggressive dog, it
may be helpful to teach him that the doorbell (or knock) means he should get in his
crate and wait for treats. You can begin to teach this by ringing the doorbell and
then luring him to his crate and feeding treats..
5. Teach him "Watch Me" (see above). Use that cue when you predict he will get
nervous with frequent C/T..
6. Reward calm behavior..
IV. He is bored or frusturated:
1. Prevent by keeping him busy and tiring him out with chew toys, exercise and
training. He should have at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per day, plus 1
hour of chewing and 15 minutes of training.
2, Teach "Quiet" (see above).
3. Say "leave it" and then Ignore him (don't even look at him - walk away or go
into another room and close the door).
4. Use a "Time out" (see above).
5. Use a Citronella Spray Collar: This should be reserved for when you "can't take
it anymore!" and the barking is not associated with fear or aggression..
V. He is excited to play:
1. If this is a problem for you, teach him that when he begins to bark the play
ends. Leave a short leash on him if you need to in order to lead him out of the
play session. When he begins to bark, time him out (see above) or stop playing with
him. Reward him with continued play when he is quiet.
2. Use a Citronella Spray Collar: This should be reserved for when you "can't take
it anymore!" and the barking is not associated with fear or aggression.
