How to Train Your Dog to Stop Barking

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     If your dog seems to be barking uncontrollably or at the wrong times, do not fret. It is actually something that can be helped with a bit of effort on not only the dog's part but yours as well. One thing that must be understood before proceeding is that barking is a natural behavior for a dog. There is no way a dog can be taught to not bark at all. There are a few tips and suggestions that can be implemented to at least reduce barking, or to have it occur at the proper times and scenarios. Dog owners decide to have a dog in their lives because they care and love the animals, but incessant barking can be frustrating and annoying to anyone.

The first thing to do is a bit of investigative work. Try to decipher if there is a particular time or scenario when your dog is barking. This may take a week or so to try and see if there is a trend. Many times dogs will bark when trying to convey something. He may be telling you that he needs access to the yard. If this isn't the case, some other reasons can be if there is another dog or cat annoying him or invading his space, or he may be bored and searching for attention.

Another area to double check on would be your dog's immediate needs. This is particularly important if it is a puppy that is doing the barking. Check on food, thirst, and elimination needs. Many times this can be the source of where the barking is coming from. If this is the case, it does not mean that we are bad dog owners. A change of schedule, accident (like spilling a water or food bowl), or other emergency may have caused your distraction. The most important thing is to correct the situation so it doesn't occur in the future.

Be aware that barking can also be attached to something that hurts. It is important that if you do not find any reason for your dog's barking to speak to a veterinarian and have him checked out. If the veterinarian gives him a clean bill of health, you can also get his or her opinion on what may be the cause of the barking. In this instance it is better to be safe then sorry. If you check out your dog or puppy on the surface and see nothing, but the barking continues for no reason, have him checked out anyway. In many cases, you will at least be able to scratch that off your immediate list of reasons.

Last, try and spend some quality time with the dog or puppy. Often life gets in the way and we decrease the time we spend with our animal. Many times the animal can sense that, and easily become bored and call (bark) for your attention. If you spend quality time with him (it doesn't need to be long), he will take comfort in the love he feels from you. That will many times help with the barking.

No one will debate that barking can be annoying, but animals use it as a form of communication. Try to find out what the dog is communicating, and correct the issue as soon as possible. That way both you and your dog are guaranteed and long and happy relationship.