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Barking Tips
| IF HE IS STILL A PUPPY: The time to attack the problem is during puppyhood; the barking habit can be a tough one to break in the adult dog. Let puppy sound his warning signals (bark) for a few seconds then reassure him ("It's all right, Spot"). He's done his job, and you've responded. He feels he has done his job and you have done yours. | IF HE IS A BACKYARD DOG: Too often, backyard dogs do a great deal of night time barking and howling. If this is the case with your dog, if the weather is warm, you can douse him with some water (not too cold) or turn a hose on him, to get your message across (some dogs like this, however, and will not respond). If your dog continues to bark for no apparent reason, place him inside your house or garage. |
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| WHEN HE CONTINUES TO BARK: After sounding his alarm and being calmed down, if he still continues to bark excitedly, speak directly to him with a commanding "Quiet!" If he still doesn't get the idea, demonstrate by dabbing a little lemon juice on his tongue and holding his mouth closed (being careful not to cut off his breathing passages) for a moment. Remember that you're teaching, not punishing, so don't further excite him by yelling or hitting him. Release him when he is calm again, letting him know everything is all right. | IF HE BARKS WHEN NOBODY'S HOME:
Leave a radio playing softly when you go out. It keeps the dog in better spirits. It may even lead him to believe you're in another part of the house. Get him used to being in a closed room by trying this when you are still home. If he still barks or howls the minute you leave him, tell him to stay and be a good dog, then walk out and close the door. The minute he starts to bark or howl, burst in and scold "NO! Bad dog. Quiet! Quiet!" then go away again, and wait outside. If he starts to bark or cry again, increase the intensity of your "Quiet" until he's sure you're always around the corner. |
IF HE BARKS AT ANY LITTLE NOISE: The dog who barks at any little noise he hears needs extra special attention. This type of barking problem is best resolved by setting up the conditions under which you know he will bark For example: the arrival of the mailman, clanging cars going by or the neighbor's dog. When he begins to bark, tell him firmly "Quiet!" and be ready to enforce the command with correction. Until he knows the meaning of the word and knows that you will enforce it, take a folded magazine or newspaper and smack your own hands (not his) smartly, at the same time giving the command "Quiet!"
| THE TIED UP DOG: If for some reason your dog must be tied up in the yard for hours at a time, make sure he will be as comfortable as possible. Often, dogs which are tied up do a great amount of barking. To reduce the probability of his barking, make sure he has sufficient shelter, which he can enter and exit comfortably. Keep a fresh bowl of water (or a controlled water container) and food nearby. And most important of all, be absolutely positive his rope is not too short and not too long (allowing him to tangle or hang himself). Take the time needed to be sure that he's not too crowded, causing him to step in his own food, water and feces. As a result, he will feel like a king in his own home, thus giving him one less reason to bark, howl or cry.
It is so important however, to make your dog a real part of the family by keeping him in the house where he can be the best watchdog and companion. He will also be safer in the house. No one wants to be left out of the family! |
| Eliminating this problem is time consuming and sometimes frustrating, but you'll be able to do it in two or three weeks, and you can comfort yourself with the knowledge that you're making your dog a better pet, neighbor and citizen. |
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