How to Stop Excessive Barking

Excessive barking is one of the most frustrating things a dog owner has to deal with. 

Barking is a natural part of being a dog, but if your dog barks excessively, it can be incredibly frustrating! Luckily,  you are not helpless to excessive barking, and there are many things that you can do to discourage your dog from barking so much. Our veterinarian in North Bellmore is dedicated to helping your dog stay happy and healthy, and that’s why we’ve come up with this list of tips to stop excessive barking:

#1. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. 

As we mentioned in a previous blog, one possible reason for excessive barking is boredom. If you leave your dog alone for long periods of time, he or she will have lots of pent up energy that leads to excessive barking. Making sure that your dog gets lots of exercise will help to curb this boredom.

#2. Stay calm when your dog barks. 

The last thing that you want to do is yell when your dog barks. This will only confuse your dog, because he or she will most likely think that you are joining in on the barking. Additionally, dogs reflect the emotions of their owners, and if you get frustrated and upset, so will your dog.

#3. Don’t reward your dog’s bad behavior. 

Even if your dog is barking out of anxiety or to get attention, you should never pet, hug or comfort your dog when he or she is barking. This will only teach him or her that barking gets him or her what they want.

Learn more tips for dealing with excessive barking when you stay tuned for our next blog.

You are not helpless to excessive barking. 

If your dog barks excessively, there are many things that you can do to stop it. If you haven’t already, check out the latest blog by our veterinary clinic in Levittown to learn about a few strategies for stopping excessive barking. Here are a couple more things you can do to get your dog to stop barking:

#4. Teach your dog to be quiet. 

Just as there is a command to get your dog to sit, stay and come when you call, there is also a command for quiet. The first step to teaching your dog the quiet command is to teach him or her how to speak. Tell your dog to speak, and once he or she starts barking, put a treat in front of them. When your dog quiets down to sniff the treat, say, “quiet.” Then praise your dog and give him or her  the treat. Repeat this for as many times as it takes for your dog to get it.

#5. Ignore your dog when he or she barks. 

Giving your dog any kind of attention when he or she barks could send the wrong message. If you want to successfully stop your dog’s barking by ignoring him or her, you need to not only ignore the barking, you need to ignore your dog altogether. You shouldn’t even look at your dog until he or she stops barking! When your dog stops barking, immediately give him or her praise and a treat.

Do you need more help stopping your dog’s excessive barking? If so, contact us!