So many dog owners have turned to me lately for help with dog barking that I have decided to drop everything else and address this canine concern without further delay. After all, what is more annoying than a dog that won't stop barking?

My mom says barking dogs give her a headache. I must admit, although I'm a pooch, dogs that bark a lot can be a little intimidating and yeah, sometimes they give me a headache too. But canines that just won't stop barking are not necessarily being obnoxious.

They're often displaying feelings which overwhelm them and therefore need help rather than punishment. That's why the best way for me to help with dog barking is to assist you in understanding what causes this unwarranted behavior under various circumstances.

The Meaning Behind the Barking

Before you start yelling at your dog, first stop to consider what motivates your dog to bark. It probably won't make much sense to you, but we dogs often bark out of fear. If that is the case, punishment will simply be counterproductive.

Raising your voice will not only confuse Harley even more, but exacerbate the problem. When you yell, you confirm in your canine's mind that there is good reason to be alarmed. Not only are you contributing to the din, but as a member of his pack (no offense intended, but that's what you are to him), you are confirming that there is cause for alarm.

If your dog is barking while facing a wood fence he can't see through, could there be children teasing him or maybe even someone threatening him from the other side of the fence? He may feel terrified of a threat he can hear but not see, but he has to defend his territory, so you have a dog barking to alert of trouble ... just doing his job!

It is also possible that your dog may suffer from separation anxiety. This is often a result of loneliness and being separated from his owner or his mother in the case of a puppy. If you're tempted to go to him and reassure him that everything is all right - you were simply out of sight - don't.

This will only reinforce his feelings of anxiety. He will interpret your behavior as commiseration, which in turn will simply reinforce his barking behavior. In his mind, you have just agreed that there was a good reason for him to bark. The more you reinforce the behavior, the harder it will be to get him to stop.

Of course, some dogs have been known to bark out of sheer boredom. If that's the case, there are many things you can do to remedy the situation. A variety of toys rotated on a regular basis to keep his interest at its peak would be a good first bet.

Also make sure you exercise your dog at least twice a day. Not only will the exercise be beneficial to both of you, but walks will help socialize him. Your own social life will improve no end: I know for a fact that many a romance got started at the dog park! Talking of romance, why not get him a friend of his own to keep him company day in, day out. It might help you feel less guilty when you have to leave home. Listening often goes a long way in silencing canine barking. And don't forget, I'm always here to lend a paw if you ever need more help with dog barking.

My Star Recipe for Dog Barking Cures

'I don't know how to get my dog to stop from barking all the time!' is a complaint I often hear. Is your dog barking at visitors when they leave? How do you stop your dog from constantly barking at everyone? More common complaints. A dog may bark to defend his territory, or as a warning to stay away from his toys or his food. He may be displaying alpha dog behavior, or expressing his fear. Either way, canines display their aggression by barking.

To find out how to train your dog to stop barking at people and how to stop barking dog behavior dead in its track, look at the situation from a canine's perspective. When you start understanding what your dog is trying to tell you with his body language, you'll be a step away from all the dog barking cures you'll ever need. You'll regain control as alpha dog, quietly and confidently, and your dog will really look up to you. I promise that's all he really wants.

There's nothing more annoying that a barking dog that won't quit, but whatever the circumstances, make absolutely certain you understand exactly what causes such unwanted behavior before you take appropriate action and regain control. Otherwise, chances are you’ll be barking up the wrong tree … don’t say I didn’t warn you!

And don't forget, I'm always here to lend a paw if you ever need more help with dog barking.

Amber, Dog Training Star


Amber has been sniffing out top secrets from expert dog trainers & behaviorists in order to help you understand & communicate with your best friend. Being a dog whisperer is truly the key to stress-free dog & puppy training.

(c) Copyright Amber, DTS. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

    Back to Top