July 30, 2007
How to Stop a Dog from Barking
I've been asked several times about how to stop a dog from barking.
I recently received such a request from one of my Healthy Happy Dogs newsletter readers, and thought I'd reprint it here together with my response, in case it helps others with this particular problem of stopping a dog from barking:
" Aloha Brigitte,
As I've said previously, I enjoy your Healthy Happy Dogs insights and updates. Keep them coming.
But today, I need your help. In December, 2006, I obtained a 2 and a half year old female [tag]poodle[/tag] from a breeder. She provided him with a single litter of one and he decided to sell her. I saw the ad, the price was right, the dog was house trained, and I went to see. She was very shy, unlike the male toy poodle who knew he ruled the roost.
Lady is a miniature and has adjusted very well. BUT she barks not constantly, and at anyone who enters our house, comes near the door, even coming up to the car, and now even when driving if someone who looks into the car.
Her tail is wagging - she will get off the chair at home and charge the door-sliding across the tiles back peddle to control her slide. No biting. She will bark even if it is a family member - my brother who does not live with us but visits - she will bark even when he comes into the living room while in the house. At first I thought it was pretty much men, as I believe the breeder was very firm with her, and she will always bark at men.
Anyway, one of the reasons I got her was for her to let us know when people approach the house, because at one point it was just my elderly mother and I living in the house. Now its my niece, her 5 yr. old, her boyfriend, and another person.
So I no longer need the "security" of having a dog barking to let us know when someone is approaching.
But how can I control the barking? I'd like her to stop when I say either "stop" or "enough".
Thank you for your help.
Colleen "
My Response to Colleen's Query on How to Stop a Dog from Barking:
Hi Colleen,
Thanks for your kind words on the Healthy Happy Dogs newsletter.
There are a number of very good dog training ebooks - that you can download and read on your computer or print out, etc. My personal favorite is here - www.DogObedience.BrigitteRecommends.com
Of course, it covers all aspects of how to train your dog - not just problem barking.
One tip you could try is the water spray method - you have to be ready with the spray bottle filled with water, and immediately Lady makes the first sound of a bark, give her a short sharp spray into her face (not too close, though with a small dog - the object is to give her a little scare - definitely not to distress her).
This method works well, but you have to spray when the barking starts, so you need to be close to her so you can do this each time she barks, until she associates barking with the unpleasant squirt. Because you want your dog to respond to a command such as "stop" or "enough", you'll need to say that command every time you squirt - and at the same time you squirt. Eventually, if Lady does bark occasionally, just saying the command should stop her in her tracks.
Alternatively there are "stop barking" products that emit a noise that dogs don't like - see here - How to Stop a Dog from Barking - or see the options below.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Brigitte
How to Stop a Dog from Barking -
Just click on the pictures or the links below for further details of three great products which will stop your dog from barking in no time!
These systems automatically detect dog barking and respond by emitting a high-pitched tone that humans can't hear. Although the tone does not cause pain to animals, most dogs don't like it and will stop barking as soon as they hear it!
Option 1:
Bark Free Noise Deterrent - covers a 35 feet radius
- click here:
Bark Free Noise Deterrent - Stop Dog Barking
- Click Here for details
And what's really special about this model is that it can be used both indoors and outdoors alike.
Option 2:
Super Bark Free Noise Deterrent - covers a 50 feet radius: Click Here
(Does a similar job, but covers a larger area, has some additional features, and is for use outside only).
Features:
Stop Dog Barking, Humanely and Safely!
- Click Here for details
Option 3:Or, if you're after a portable anti barking device, the Portable Bark Stop may be exactly what you're looking for. It has the following features:
Portable Bark Deterrent
- Click Here for details!
Tags: Poodle
Comments
February 18, 2008
Louise Richardson said:
what I should when your dog looks you be the Eye
June 10, 2008
Fiona said:
I am mainly concerned about our dogs barking when we are not at home. Our neighbours have called the ranger to complain about the barking to the point where we are very close to receiving a $2000 fine and $250 per day until we come up with a solution.
We have already bought a shock collar ($250) and the services of Barki Busters ($600 + choke collars and some unworthwhile tips totaling $800.
We desperately need help as we love our dogs and don't want to lose either of them. Please HELP
June 18, 2008
Brigitte Smith said:
Hello Fiona,
Options 1 and 2 of the bark deterrent devices that are referred to above can be used for exactly the problem you describe - they automatically emit a high pitched noise when the dog(s) start barking, which causes most dogs to stop barking straight away, as they don't like the noise these devices make.
Bark Busters is usually a pretty good training option (and I think they come with a lifetime guarantee, if I remember correctly?), BUT you usually have to be at home to do the training in order to stop your dog(s) from barking, and this can take some time and patience that many people just don't have enough of.
With the bark deterrent devices, the beauty is that they operate whether or not you're at home.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Brigitte
July 5, 2008
c blackman said:
the bark detector does not work with my dog anyone got any other good ideas?
July 22, 2008
Fiona said:
Thanks Brigitte, info much appreciated. May email again if ok with you.
Fiona
August 5, 2008
Carol said:
I have a Sheltie that I adopted about 2 1/2 years ago and she is almost eight years old.
She barks at loud noises like thunder, fireworks, motorcycles, noisy cars etc. She was quite an annoyance on a recent camping trip (in a tent) when she barked, howled and whined for close to two hours because of a thunderstorm.
How can I get he to stop barking? Will the bark deterrent work in this situation?
August 13, 2008
Veronique kouwenhoven said:
As with all other behaviour in dogs, any dog can be trained not to bark. You have to put some time and effort in it and make sure that you have a good relationship with your dog, because any training depends on those factors. Then you first train your dog to bark on command, just give the command while it is barking anyway. Then you teach your dog the command for silence. If you use clicker training this can be accomplished in a day. Reward generously for a "good shush".
Furthermore you make the cirumstances such that your dog is not tempted to bark. For instance do not leave him alone in the yard, do not take him to the door when visitors come. When he has to stay alone in the house, make sure he is in a place where he can't see or hear any passersby and where he feels comfortable. This means that he has had enough exercise before you left him, some things to occupy him, such as a filled Kong, has an empty bladder and bowels, has something to drink and a nice bed to sleep in. If all this is too complicated for you, take your dog to a good dog-friendly dog class (ask them if they train with positive reinforcement methods ) and teach him there yourself, it does no good to let another person train your dog. It does wonders for your bond with the dog as well.
If he barks in your presence stay very calm and quiet. Shouting at the dog will only reinforce this behaviour. Either totally ignore it or say something in a low voice like" I've seen those people, thank you, quiet now." If he is not quiet calmly take him away from the scene and then ignore him for a few minutes. Give him attention only when he has not been barking for at least 5 seconds, try to give him more attention such as play, long interesting walks, teaching him tricks, taking him for a swim, play fetch etc. so he won't crave attention as much. Most dogs will stop barking just because they can't hear you whispering when they are barking and will keep barking because you give them a lot of attention while they are doing it (albeit negative attention).
My youngest dog is a little dachshund/schapendoes mix. Both breeds are renowned barkers. Yet she is very quiet in the house (even if she has to stay alone for a few hours), although I have a big picture window all the way to the floor, looking out on the street, because I've let her know from a young age that barking is not appropriate behaviour. All her siblings are ferocious barkers. Even some neighbourhood dogs are barkers and this doesn't set her of either. This means you will have to nip even an small growl or half-swallowed bark in the bud. That's not acceptable either. If I can do it anyone can who has the inclination and the patience, since I am not a dog training pro.
September 7, 2008
Rachel said:
Hi Fiona,
Did this work for you, we are having the same problem with our 2 year old dog
September 16, 2008
Brigitte Smith said:
Great tips, Veronique.
Thank you so much for your contribution.
I'm sure many of my readers will appreciate your expertise on how to stop a dog from barking.
Regards,
Brigitte