Sick of hearing your canine’s self-made soundtrack on replay? The trick to putting a barking dog on pause is to find out why he’s yapping in the first place. The two most commons reasons? Dogs bark either when they are trying to get your attention or they are seeing something that frightens or intimidates them. As with any undesired dog behavior, you need to treat the underlying problem—not just the symptom—if you want to stop dog barking. Listen up: We’ve got the advice for dealing with your chatty pooch.
Startling Sounds Will Stop Barking Dogs
Dogs hate to be startled by sudden, loud noises (who doesn’t?), and you can use that to your advantage when you’re trying to stop a barking dog. Create an inexpensive dog-barking deterrent at home. Just drop a few pennies, screws, or pebbles into a clean, empty soda can, and seal the opening well with some duct tape. When the dog barks, say “Quiet” or “Hush” in a firm tone as you either toss the can on the ground or give it a few good shakes. (If you toss it, just drop it on the ground so that it rolls and makes noise—no need to throw it at your pup.) The sound will startle the dog, and he’ll stop barking. He’ll also learn the “Quiet” command, which is an invaluable dog training success.
Invest in a Bark Collar
One high-tech way to check inappropriate barking is to invest in a dog citronella collar. The dog wears the collar like any other, but this anti-bark dog collar holds a secret weapon against excessive barking. When your dog barks, the movement of her neck causes citronella to squirt out of the collar. The sound of the spray, coupled with the smell, will startle and quiet the dog. (The citronella is the same stuff that’s in the antimosquito candles you keep on your porch, so it’s harmless.) Starting at $100 (and $15 or more for the citronella refills), the collars aren’t cheap, but they work. Stop by petpalace.uk to order one.
A little squirt will do it! When it comes to stopping a dog’s incessant barking, try a citronella dog barking collar.
Stop Your Dog Barking With Music
If your dog’s barking excessively whenever you leave your house or apartment, your pooch may be suffering from a mild case of separation anxiety. One way to put a lid on the barking is to make your dog feel as though she’s not alone. Some folks accomplish this with a soothing bark stopper: Turning a radio or television on when they leave the house. White noise can block out street sounds that can suddenly become intimidating when the pack leader (that’s you) is away. Music stations are an especially good choice because the rhythm is soothing to pets.
Chew Off a Dog Barking Problem
Are your neighbors starting to hint that they can hear your pup talking to herself while you’re gone? You may be able to keep your pooch occupied in your absence by leaving her a good chew toy. Before you leave the house, rub your hands all over the toy. Your scent will make it more appealing, which will make it more likely that she’ll chew it. And she only has one mouth: If she’s chewing, she won’t be barking.
There’s one thing that can make a chew toy more enticing than leaving your scent on it—leaving food in it. Visit a local pet supply store and purchase a hollow bone. Stuff the bone with cheese or peanut butter. Your dog will be so busy trying to get the food out that she may not have the time or the inclination to bark.
Give a Barking Pooch a Dose of Pavlov
Some dogs seem to think that the doorbell or a knock on the door is their signal to start barking. But with a little patience—and a little help from an assistant—you can condition your dog to look forward to the ringing of the bell or knocking without the vocal hysterics. Position a family member or friend outside the front door. Attach your dog’s leash and, keeping her inside, take her near the door. Give the “Sit” or “Down” command. Next, have the helper knock on the door or ring the bell. If the dog barks, say in a firm voice, “No. Quiet.” At the same time, snap the leash. When the barking stops, offer praise and a treat. Keep repeating this drill until your pooch gets the idea that barking results in disapproval, but sitting or lying down and being quiet earns praise and a treat.