How to Stop Dog Barking

How to Stop Dog Barking

Dogs barking is a natural habit but should only be used in certain situations. As the leader of the pack, it's important to step in and control unwanted barking. 

Your dog could be barking in order to sound an alarm, out of fear or protection to drive a threat away or even just as a way to play or get a reaction from you. While barking is important to alert one to danger or to ward off an intruder, it's important that your dog stops barking when it isn't wanted.

Shouting at the dog when it's barking can make them think you're joining in. If you gently tell him to be quiet or give him affection this can be seen as praise for barking. You must correct the dog with the same intensity of energy that it is projecting in order to snap the dog's brain out of it and show it the proper way to be, which is calm and quiet. Success comes from having confidence in your ability to project higher more dominant energy over the dog in order to show it the way. Size is nothing, true pack leader power comes from the mind. Having confidence in your power and ability while understanding that calm assertive energy is the key to guiding your dog will give you the key to succeed. 

When your dog is barking at a time that is unwanted, you must always carry this powerful energy with you in order to maintain control. Here are some steps to consider when approaching these situations:

Snap the dog out of it.
It's important to catch your dog in the act and snap the dog's brain out of this barking state of mind through a physical correction such as mimicking a dog bite and possibly with a short, sharp and powerful sound. But this may not be the end, and you can't give up until you achieve what you want. If the dog continues to bark, pin the dog like an alpha dog would and make it submit to you until it unifies with your calm and assertive energy. Only go back to what you were doing once the dog has completely submitted and you've achieved your goal of silence. Persistence is important. Some people also consider using tools to aid them in correcting their dog when it is barking. Some try closing the dogs mouth through the use of a head halter (such as a “Gentle Leader”) which enables owners to lift the leash so the dog’s mouth closes and it is guided into a sitting position. Leads like this can be used outside to snap the dog out of barking in mid-act whenever it is triggered by outside influences. Some consider using barking collars, but these should only ever be used on the noise or vibration setting, never an electric shock. Always test the collar out on yourself first. If you can't handle it, don't put it on your dog.

Stay calm
Constant barking can be irritating, but it's essential to learn to calm your energy in order to achieve results. The problem cannot be corrected if you are frustrated because dogs don't follow unbalanced leaders, only calm assertive energy. Your dog mirrors your energy, so anger just makes the dog worse. Bring yourself into a calm and assertive state in order to show your dog that this is the way to be.

Claim the trigger
If your dog is barking over and over at the same thing then you need to step up and claim that stimulant as your own. By using your body, mind, and calm-assertive energy you can create an invisible blockade that your dog cannot cross or even go near. If you fully dedicate your intent on this and have one hundred percent belief in the power of your energy over your dog (no matter what it's size) you will achieve results. If you can project the energy that you are the boss around here and what pack leader says goes no matter what, your dog will respond with submissive behavior. They key is in the intent. Powerful mastiffs can bow down like wusses and submit to five year olds when those kids truly believe that their energy is more powerful than the dogs. Children actually pick up the power of energy much more quickly and thoroughly than adults because they don't allow any doubts or mental blocks to get in the way of this belief in their true power.

Challenge your dog mentally and physically.
Barking can often be the result of pent-up energy which can easily be resolved through daily walks in order to release that energy. If dogs don't get a daily walk it wouldn't be suprising if they excessively bark. All dogs need a challenge everyday in order to release their energy, otherwise they will release this energy through frustrated, destructive behavior such as barking, chewing or even attacking other animals. There are many ways to release a lot of physical activity out of high energy dogs through challenges such as running next to a bicycle, rollerblades or skateboard, a putting a heavy backpack on them or by walking on an incline. Mental challenges also help to drain the dog of energy such as obedience games, agility training and even herding. Some farmers allow people to bring their dogs into their heards in order to give them a challenge and energy release. Walking your dog along quiet country roads next to paddocks of cows or sheep can also provide your dog with stimulation. Each alternative is subjective to the personal interests and needs of yourself and your dog.

Train your dog when to speak and when to shut up
If you are able to teach your dog to bark or “speak” on command, then you can also teach them to be quiet. After commanding the dog to bark, use a distinctively different sound to direct the dog to stop. German has been found to be more effective than English, so the word “Ous” has proven to be effective as a stop word. After using this command make sure there is a distinct few seconds of silent pause after dog has finished barking before rewarding him or walking away calmly to show that the silence is what you want. You could also get a friend to ring your doorbell or act out one of the unwanted triggers so that when the dog barks you can correct it by mimicking a dog bite, possibly including a short but powerful verbal tone, and dominating the dog so that it stops barking. After a distinct period of silence, reward or walk away. 

Projecting dominant, calm assertive energy will give you the control and ability to handle any situation with your dog.Giving your dog a ballanced lifestyle of exercise, training, boundaries and limitations plus affection when they are calm strengthens your dog’s confidence in you, allowing you to show them the correct way to be as the leader of the pack. If you are having trouble in asserting power over your dog or need help in any way, call the Dog Dude today on 0211682742 to cure any problem that your dog may have.