How to Solve the Problem of Persistent Dog Barking

The sound of a dog barking is as natural and common as birds chirping or children laughing but when it happens continuously it is one of the worst dog problems we can have! For no apparent reason, they can continue barking and it can quickly become annoying. Dogs bark for many different reasons.

Some may bark at strangers trying to enter their territory, others may bark in excitement as they greet their owners. Normally, these barks subside after a short time but if it goes on for an interminable period, it becomes a problem that needs to be solved as soon as possible.

Does Your Dog Bark All The Time?

If you have a dog or puppy that barks constantly, you should try to figure out what causes them to do so before your neighbors get irritated. Observe the events that trigger the barking by having someone watch the dog for an entire day, or by videotaping your dog when you are not around.

Once you determine the cause of your dog’s barking, keep him away from it as much as possible. For example, if the barking is triggered by the arrival of the mailman or by the passing by of kids coming home from school, try to keep your dog indoors during the times of these events.

If your dog starts to bark when someone rings the doorbell or knocks on the door, don’t chastise him right away. A few seconds of barking is acceptable in these situations but after a few barks, command him to stop. If he doesn’t obey, tell him to sit and stay. Soon enough, your dog will understand that you need him to stop his incessant barking.

Stop Dog’s Barking

While most dogs will stop barking when they sense their owner’s disapproval, there are some that are just naturally stubborn. If you have such a dog, you can try to stop the barking by spraying him with water from a water gun. Dog barking can also be stopped with the use of a whistle or other sensory interrupter.

Usually, dogs that take to constant barking are those that are left alone most of the time. It may be their way of getting your attention so you can’t really blame them for their behavior. What you can do in this case is to spend time with your dog as much as you possibly can. Eventually, they will learn to tone down their barking, knowing that you will give them some attention even without it.

To speed up the process of stopping persistent dog barking, it is advisable to use the reward system. With the use of positive reinforcements, you will be able to tame your dog’s vocal outcries much faster.