Barking is one of the most important communication tools at dog’s disposal.
Although there are a lot of ways for a dog to express its emotions and desires (such as with pointing out to an object of interest) there are certain things where dog requires barking and other sounds.
Have in mind that barking is not only used for communication; it is also used to express emotions. Oftentimes young dogs will bark simply because they are excited. It is also a way of telling you that there is a danger ahead.
Nevertheless, with all its benefits, dog’s barking can get you in all sorts of trouble. It can pose an issue when people drop by, it can be troublesome on the street and most people (especially those who never had a dog) will see it as a sign of aggression.
So, let’s review some basics and see how you can prevent and stop your dog from barking in such situations.
Why are dogs barking in the first place?
There are a lot of different reasons why a dog will bark. It mostly comes down to three main situations.
1. Through barking, it will vocalize its happiness (dogs bark when they are really happy)
2. Dog will use it to warn of a danger
3. Dog will bark when other means (body language) is not enough for you to understand him
Basically, it is used for three feelings: excitement, frustration, and worrying. There is always some reason for a dog to behave this way and after a while, you will get a hang of it.
As I already said, barking may seem annoying to you but it is an important way for a dog to communicate. In that regard, you shouldn’t completely forbid it from barking. Still, there needs to be a limit.
Ways to deal with barking
What are the best ways for you to deal with barking and to temporary stop it?
1. Training a dog not to bark
Like every training, it is necessary to start it when a dog is young. When the dog starts barking, you need to shush it or find some other way to explain this is not acceptable. Have patience as dogs can continue barking for a long time.
Anyway, you shouldn’t address the barking. In other words, you shouldn’t remove the source (or stimulant) that caused the barking in the first place. If you do, the dog will simply stop without learning its lesson. Your task here is to force a dog to stop barking through voice command or body language while the main reason for commotion is still nearby.
Once the dog stops, you can give it a treat. Find something that annoys the dog and start practicing. It will require some time but it will be worth it.
2. Relaxing a dog
Dogs can easily feel your emotions. If a dog becomes excited and starts barking due to it, your behavior will just stimulate it to continue barking.
Instead, you need to be calm and completely deflate a dog with your disposition. This is something that works in every situation. Even if you encounter a dog on the street and it starts barking at you, this is a good way of calming it down.
3. Stand in dog’s way
In this case, you need to show a dog who is the boss. When the dog starts barking at something or someone, it is necessary for you to stand in its way.
In other words, stand between the dog and source of its barking. This way you will show it that this something belongs to you and that it is prohibited from going any further or exhibiting such form of behavior.
4. Tire your dog
Dogs often bark due to excitement. They tend to become uncontrollable and this is especially common for young ones. As they can bark for a while, the best way of putting a stop to it is by tiring a dog. In other words, start playing catch or send a dog to do something. As it becomes fatigued, it will be increasingly harder to bark until it completely stops.
No matter what technique you choose to use, do it with love and with respect!