5 Ways To Effectively Stop Excessive Barking in Dogs

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Barking is natural for canines but when it keeps you up at night or when the neighbors start to complain, something must be done. When they bark, it means they are trying to tell us something. The most common reasons are to seek attention, to establish a territory, boredom, excitement, fear or even loneliness. It is important to find the main reason for the bad behavior and resolve it, but here are some other proven ways to stop excessive barking in dogs:

Lessen distractions

One of the most common reasons why a dog barks is different stimuli within the environment he's in. Canines get excited easily, they usually bark when they see someone pass by a window, when someone rings the doorbell or when they see another pooch outside. Start by closing the windows in your home or putting him in an area in your home where there are least distractions, especially at night.

Train your dog

Teach your dog some simple, basic commands that will help stop the problem. You can teach him the "Stop Command" with the stop hand gesture whenever he barks or even some verbal cues like "Quiet". Be patient when training your dog and don't expect him to learn overnight. Don't forget to reward him with treats when he reaches a milestone during training.

Redirect his attention

When he starts barking, observe what triggers it - it may be every time someone comes to visit or when meal time is near. One way to deal is to break your furry friend's attention from the present situation. Redirect his attention to his favorite toy, inviting him outside or giving him treats.

Provide him with physical activities

Dogs naturally full of energy and one cause of excessive barking may be from the lack of mental and physical activities. Daily walks or a game of fetch will help use up this energy and tire him out throughout the day.

Use a bark collar

This must be used as a last resort and it is ideal to consult your vet first. Some bark collars spritzes a dog with citronella (an unpleasant scent for them) or emits a high-pitched noise when it detects vibrations in the vocal chords. It has been effective to many dogs and has stopped excessive barking.

Try these simple tips to stop excessive barking in dogs - no more neighbor complaints and quiet nights will be here before you know it!