How To Deal With A Barking Dog Using Positive Reinforcement

Understanding dog barking is the key to stopping unwanted dog barking. Now a lot of people have a viewpoint that a good dog is a quiet dog. This is the furthest thing from the truth. There are some situations that a dog will always bark in. Dogs do not view barking like we do. Barking is their voice, and they used it for communication.

If there is one thing you need to know about a certain dog behavior like whining or barking, it is the fact that he does it for a reason. Most reasons include being bored or lonely, when something is wrong or strangers are near the house, when he has to go to the bathroom or he just wants to play. In these instances it is unrealistic for you to want them not to bark. Barking is their way of communication.

Nevertheless, when they are barking at everything that moves, or they are trying to bully you into doing what they want it can be annoying to you or even to your neighbors. That is why you have to take some measures to start correcting bad dog behavior like this.

Here are some of the best positive reinforcement ways:

1. Know the cause of the bark. The first step for dog training on barking is to know the underlying cause of such action. Does he do it whenever he sees strangers? Is it a way of letting you known that he is excited about something? As an owner, you have to be very sensitive of his needs and responses. This is a good way too of getting to know your pet a little bit better. When you can already identify the cause, you may have to create modifications such as introducing visitors to him or allowing your dog to spend some time with other people, or perhaps eliminating the main cause completely.

2. Giving your dog a cold shoulder and not giving them attention will work when they are barking to get your attention. But you have to be persistent, and not look at them even if they keep barking for 10 minutes. The more you do this, the quicker they should stop barking. When giving your dog, the cold shoulder, you cannot give up. You have to turn your back to them, and totally ignore them. Not giving them any attention, even saying the word no until the bad behavior stops.

3. Eliminate some of the common causes. Remember some of the things I talked about earlier that some dogs will bark to get attention. Make sure you exercise your dog. Take him out for a walk, play fetch etc. that way he can release all of his excess pent-up energy from you being at work, all-day. Giving your dog a healthy dose of love, affection, and attention before they start barking will help also. Just remember when it comes to showing your dog love affection and attention or going for a walk and playing fetch it has to be done on your terms. Do not let your dog bully you into it by barking.

You can pair these techniques with a good dog training program, which will provide you with the proper guidance on how to make your dog not only obedient but also calm.