Why is it that dogs bark when they don’t in the wild. Wolves don’t bark as it is not in their nature. So one reason dogs bark is that we have domesticated them to do so. We developed herding dogs to scare off predators and notify their masters that there is danger around them.
Remember dogs bark simply to communicate something to those around him. They may be trying to get attention. If that is the case and you don’t want the barking, to stop the barking reward your dog when he is quiet. Wait until he is silent before rewarding and reward lavishly when he does not bark.
Try to figure out what your dog is trying to tell you. If it is out of a need for attention, the best way to break this cycle of excessive barking is to wait for him to be quiet, then give him positive attention. Remember that by acknowledging the barking you will reinforce the barking and not the behavior you want. Waiting until he quiets will teach him that he gets more attention if he’s quiet.
Because dogs are territorial, they will bark at people approaching them and when they see someone walking across the street or on the next block. The best way to stop the barking is to distract your dog when he starts to bark. Break his focus with a treat or play with him. Every time the barking habit is broken it reinforces the message that he will be rewarded when he stops barking.
Taking the time to discover what your dog is communicating will result in less stress for both you and him. He will get much needed attention and you will get quiet. It’s a situation you both win.
Get more Dog Obedience Tips and ideas on Dog training at Colleen Tess Dog Training Academy for K9s.