You can stop the dog from barking
There are many ways to stop a dog from barking. Some dogs seem more prone to barking than others. Once a dog starts barking consistently, he is more likely to continue this behavior. Barking feels good to the dog and is also a good stress reliever. Here are some ideas on how to stop your dog from barking:
1. Find out why your dog is barking in the first place. Has the dog been left outside alone for too long? Does he bark all day because he’s home all day and lonely? Who can blame a dog for that? It is important that if your dog must be left at home for long periods of time, that you take precautions to prevent barking. It’s a good idea not to leave it outside for extended periods. The dog will naturally hear things and bark in response. Also, if he barks inside and not outside, you’re less likely to annoy your neighbors if he’s in the house or garage. Another thing is to make sure that he gets enough exercise so that when you are gone the dog is tired. You can also leave a kong filled with peanut butter or cheese to appease him. You can also try leaving out puzzle toys to keep your dog from getting bored.
2. Teach your dog the “quiet” command. When your dog barks, say “hush” and as soon as he stops barking, give him a treat and say “hush.” He’ll get the point eventually. I personally want my dog to bark when someone comes to the door or walks by, but I want him to stop when I tell him to. So silence is a good command. Some people use the word “enough” or “that will do.”
3. Learn “dog zen.” Dog Zen teaches your dog to make eye contact and maintain it when you say “look at me.” This is a good way to distract your dog when you know you are in a barking situation, or even help stop it once it starts.
4. As a last resort, a bark collar will do the trick. I do not recommend the shock collar. They can cause trauma to your dog that cannot be reversed. I used one on our big dog before I knew it and our dog is now terrified of the collar. He trembles with fear, and after you put the collar on him, he goes into a state that almost looks like a seizure. I have since been shown the citronella bark collar. We have used this on our Shih tzu with amazing results. When the dog barks, the citronella spray comes out and startles your dog into stopping barking. It literally only takes once or twice and the dog “gets it”. We rarely even have to put it on anymore.
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