How can I get my dog to stop barking is a question that almost every other dog owner wishes to get answered. Nonetheless, how to make a dog stop barking is not as easy as it seems.
You may try anti bark collar or dog bark collar and get weird results. You might even have enrolled your beloved pet for an expensive dog training school with little success.
So, even before you start finding answers to questions such as ‘how to stop your dog from barking at other dogs’ or ‘how to get a dog to stop barking at night’, you need to first understand the real reason why your pet barks (in the first place).
When you have the basics (natural instincts) about your pet clear in your head, finding a permanent solution to his excessive barking can be found easily. So, without much ado, let’s get started with this write-up and find the best way to control dog barking:
PS: In this article, I shall be addressing the pet dog in its male form (he/his etc.)
>>> Click Here to Learn How to Make a Dog Stop Barking <<<
How can I Get my Dog to Stop Barking Article Contents:
1) Why does a Dog Bark Excessively?
2) How can I get My Dog to Stop Barking at Night?
3) How can I get My Dog to Stop Barking at Strangers?
4) How can I get My Dog to Stop Barking at Other Dogs?
5) How can I get My Dog to Stop Barking at Everyone?
6) How can I get My Dog to Stop Barking when I Leave Home for Work?
7) How can I get My Dog to Stop Barking at Everything?
8) Dog Bark Collar – Is it Really Effective in Stopping Your Dog from Barking Continuously?
- What are the Different Kinds of Dog Collars?
- Are Shock Collars Effective in Stopping a Dog from Barking?
9) What are the Best Alternatives to Anti Bark Collars?
10) How can I Get my Dog to Stop Barking – My Conclusive Analysis
Why does a Dog Bark Excessively?
Hey… there is nothing wrong in a dog barking at other people or even at you (for that matter). Just like you talk to another person to put your point across, dogs bark at one another (and even you) to put across their line of thought.
The problem arises when their barking exceeds your tolerance level. Sometimes, dogs bark way more and way louder than what they are naturally expected to. This is when you need to identify the root cause behind their excessive barking.
Here is what your dog wants to tell you when it begins to bark excessively:
I am Too Damn Lonely:
When your dog barks at you in a fierce manner, it is a clear indicator that he is terribly bored. Just like humans, dogs too have feelings. This is why they tend to try and seek your help to put them at ease.
So, a barking dog is indicating that he/she is in need for a playmate. In the absence of other dogs, it is but obvious that your pet wishes to play with you.
You are Not Listening to Me:
If your puppy barks at you or your dog barks at everything, it may be an indication that it wants to share vital information with you. Basically, the pet wants to communicate with you. It could be as simple as the animal wanting to go out to do his usual business or a walk.
I Am Simply Defending My Space:
When your dog barks at other dogs or at everyone close by, it may be trying to defend its personal space. Like a human being, dogs too have a well-defined space.
This is personal and should not be intruded by others (unless permitted by your beloved pet). It is quite similar to how we would behave when a stranger tries to enter our house.
I am Warning You of Danger:
When your dog barks in his sleep, it may be trying to warn of you an eminent danger. It could be an alarm that helps you ward of a possible burglary attempt.
Dogs have hearing powers that far exceed the capacity of a human ear. This is why they can sense stealth movements when you may miss them altogether.
I am Glad You are Back Home:
When a dog barks at you when you return home after a day out at work, the pet is simply showcasing his delight. A slight wag of the tail and the animal jumping upwards to greet, is an indication that he is happy to see you.
I am Terribly Depressed or Hurt:
If your pet dog is barking at you rather fiercely or consistently, it is highly likely that your pet is indicating a trauma. If the behavior is destructive (such as knocking things down at home or chewing the mattress) the pet may be hurt.
In such a scenario, take the pet to the local vet to have a complete check-up performed.
How can I get My Dog to Stop Barking at Night?
A pet dog in the house is the best possible thing that can happen to a dog lover. You play with your dog in the morning, feed him at noon and take him out for a walk in the evening.
Despite all the love and affection that you shower on your beloved pet, you wish to retire quietly at night. This is owing to the very simple fact that having a pet dog is only good till it is your bed time. If your beloved pet dog is barking till late at night then, you shall lose your cool.
Here are a few tips that can help you stop your dog from barking at night when all are asleep (or planning to fall asleep):
Avoid Cuddling Your Pet:
While this sounds cruel yet it helps quieten the pet dog considerably. If you cuddle the dog when it is barking at night, the result shall be disastrous. The pet shall bark louder and for longer hours. After all, it wants your attention and you are giving it just that.
Do Not Offer Treats to Your Pet:
If your dog is not stopping its midnight song then, you need to try and not get too close to the pet. Doing so shall prompt you to drop a treat. This shall encourage the dog to bark louder.
Give Your Pet a Stuff Panda or a Play Bone:
It is highly likely that your pet is getting bored as you have retired to bed earlier than usual. This is when the animal shall begin to display signs of distress and boredom. Barking out aloud is a clear indicator of the same.
To ensure that your pet dog does not bark way more than necessary as it disturbs your sleep cycle, try and engage him in a positive act. Give him a play bone to chew onto. A stuff toy shall also do the trick.
Make the Space Pest Free & Secluded:
Your pet dog needs a dedicated place to rest at night. If the place designated to your per is not as per his liking, he may begin to bark. So, clean the place with a suitable disinfectant. Spray natural oils to keep it pest free.
The resting place for the dog needs to be in a secluded area of the house. This helps the pet sleep in peace when others are still awake (for various reasons).
Nice Mattress & a Cozy Bed:
Your dog often barks at night when you are fast asleep because his bed is not as cozy as yours. Simply out, he is unable to rest and relax as well as he could. This would not have happened had you placed a cozy bed for him to rest onto.
So, get hold of a suitable dog bed or a fluffy mattress for your dog to sleep onto. This should allow your beloved pet to get comfortable at night. He shall sleep in peace and allow you and your family members to sleep as well.
Make Your Dog Exercise Regularly:
It is evident that your dog needs a daily dose of physical activity to retain his fitness and vitality. You shall notice that if your dog is habitual of taking long walks daily and misses it just one day, his attitude shall change.
When your dog skips exercising for a single day, he shall feel restless. This is when your pet dog shall have a disturbed sleep cycle. This in turn compels him to bark aloud at night. So, make sure you take him out for recreation at least once every day.
How can I get My Dog to Stop Barking at Strangers?
How to stop a dog barking at people is no easy feat to achieve. When you have a guest at home or someone casually passes by your front gate, your dog gets triggered. So, how to stop the dog barking at the door is a question that often confuses most dog owners.
Well, a dog could be barking for (possibly) protecting his personal space or because he is shy of others (lack of social skills). It could also be that the dog’s sixth sense has sensed a danger. Whatever the reason may be, you need to train your dog to stop barking at every other man or woman he comes across.
Here are a few ways to stop your dog from barking at others:
Hold the Muzzle Gently:
So, the next time a guest visits your house and your dog gets triggered, simply hold his muzzle gently. You can use the right or left hand for the purpose (whichever you are most comfortable in). You can place the finger of the other hand onto your lips and speak the ‘hush’ word gently.
If the dog stops barking, release the hold from his muzzle. If he starts to bark again, repeat the same procedure. After a few attempts, the pet would understand that he is supposed to stay quiet in the presence of a stranger visiting the house. Offer him a treat when he does.
Public Walk the Dog Carefully:
It is quite possible that your dog does not like the company of too many people. As in, if the pet is out on an evening stroll and he encounters other people, he gets triggered.
To avoid his anti-social trigger to upset the moods of others, you can merely walk him away from others. Choose areas and timings wherein you shall hope to encounter the least possible people.
Put on a Show:
Well, you need to distract the dog if it starts to bark at any and everyone who is at the front door. This is a method to take the attention of the dog from the person at the door to another object.
It could be as simple as handing him a bone to chew. You could also give him his favorite slipper to chew onto. A baby rattle also works wonders and captivates (owing to the noise it creates) the attention of your barking dog.
Assign Him a Special Place:
The next time your dog starts to bark at a guest (who has just entered your home) you need to get your pet to his secret hideout. It is a special place which is to be assigned to the animal when he is feeling triggered by an unusual event (which in this case is the arrival of a stranger).
Give him treats each time the dog sets foot onto the secret place. Give him more treats when he agrees to not bark and remain seated (even though guests have arrived and settled in your house). Apparently, the next best thing to barking violently would be to teach your dog to sit quietly at his designated spot.
Get Him Acquainted with Others:
While your dog may not like to intermingle with strangers, he can at least stop barking at them. For this to happen, you need to treat him each time he stops barking at the arrival of a guest.
So, this small piece of cookie can go a long way in training your dog to be mannerly in the presence of guests. While this is a long shot and may need days (or even weeks) of dedicated practice, it is sure to change mind-set of your beloved pet forever.
How can I get My Dog to Stop Barking at Other Dogs?
When you take your dog out for a morning walk, does he bark when other dogs come close to him? Does your pet also bark when pups are close to him?
While barking at other dogs is a sign of communication, excessive barking at other dogs may be a sign of trouble. Even before you start to find a solution to your pet’s barking issues, you need to first understand why he barks (the root cause) in the first place.
Why does your dog bark at other dogs? Well, here could be the main reasons for your pet doing so:
His Wolf Ancestors are Calling:
It is a well-known fact that the ancestors of dogs were wolves. They have a habit of howling while in the company of other wolves. This habit of theirs has been passed down to pet dogs as well. So, when they see other dogs, your pet dog is trigged with his wolf ancestor’s calling.
It’s Just a Social Chat:
When your dog is in the close vicinity of other dogs and he begins to bark then, it may be an act of effective communication. Just like we talk to others at the park or gym, dogs do the same. Nonetheless, this is a brief talk and not an endless barking spree.
Personal Space Issues:
When a dog takes a walk, he usually considers the path to be his own. So, if another dog trespasses your pet’s personal space, he is challenged. This challenging bark is often prolonged as the other party does the same (counter barking).
It’s Comes Naturally to Your Dog:
Certain breeds of dogs have the ability to bark and jump at other dogs. These actions could be genetically influenced. It could also be because your pet is scared. This barking spree exhibits lack of social training on your part.
His Leash may be an Issue:
Your pet dog may be super friendly and he would like to greet other dogs at the park. Nonetheless, you have him on a leash that inhibits his natural movement. This in turn shall propel him to bark at other dogs.
Anxiety & Aggression:
Some dogs are anxious and angry by nature. They tend to tug at the leash and jump on other dogs. Others are scared and they too love to bark to display their aggression (even though they are scared from within).
How do You Stop Your Dog from Barking at Other Dogs?
>>> To start with, you should teach your dog to be obedient. If you voice a command, the pet should bark else keep quiet.
>>> Never get tense when your pet starts to bark at other dogs. Your emotions shall be picked easily by the animal and he shall lose all control.
>>> If you cannot control your pet then, let him be trained by a certified dog trainer.
>>> Take the pet to walk in an area that is not frequented by other dogs. That shall give your pet no reason to bark.
>>> Socially train your dog to be with others. Start slow by introducing your pet to another pet dog before increasing the numbers.
>>> Never be angry or snappy with the dog. While using a leash to restraint the animal is ok, do not use a stick to beat him when he barks at other dogs.
How can I get My Dog to Stop Barking at Everyone?
Dogs bark to communicate with each other. If they stop barking, it would mean an end to effective communication. Can you live without talking to other people? I believe not. Similarly, a dog too cannot remain without barking.
Nonetheless, if your pet is barking way too aggressively and for a prolonged time interval then, it is indeed a behavioral issue. Here is how you can tackle this situation:
Identify His Trigger:
Your dog could be angry, scared, seeking attention or in the mood to greet others. It could also be that your dog is protecting his personal space. He could also be frustrated as he has remained at home or skipped his evening walk.
So, the first thing that you need to do is to identify the trigger that prompts your dog to bark at others. This would require time and patience from your end. Observe your dog when he is around others and identify the reason/reasons that trigger his barking spree.
Identify the Bark Pitch:
Try and ascertain why the dog is barking by identifying his pitch. If the pitch is high, it is a sign of happiness whereas if it is short and snappy then, the dog is seeking your attention.
Shrill pitch is an indication of stress within the animal. If the pitch is low yet severe then, the dog is displaying an alarm of some sort. If the pet does not stop barking then, it is a disorder that needs to be treated (by a vet or dog trainer).
What does the Dog’s Body Say?
By taking a careful look at the posture exhibited by the dog, you can ascertain his state of mind. Tail between the legs and a hunched back is an indication that your dog is scared. A smiling face and wagging tail with loose limbs is an indicator that you have a happy dog by your side.
Bouncy and jumping dogs are playful while raised ears and tail with barred teeth is a sign of aggression. Dogs that stand tall with ears and tail raised are aggressive.
So, you should first identify what category your dog falls in before administering a remedy for his overtly aggressive barking.
Ignorance & Reward Eradication:
Whenever your dog bars at everyone, you need to step-up your game. So, you need to stop hugging and playing with your dog. Keep mum and allow him to come to you. Your fainting ignorance should help shut him up.
The cookie rewards that you give your dog each time he does something nice needs to vanish. This shall make your pet realize that he is not doing a great job barking at others (as he is missing his treats).
Cover Up Nicely:
After having identified the triggers, you need to cover them up nicely. So for example, if external noises are the trigger then, keep the dog’s enclosure soundproof.
In case the trigger is owing to your friends being visible to the dog then, ensure to give your pet a personal (private and secluded) space when in the midst of guests. If the trigger is other dogs then, take him for a walk where other animals are rarely to be seen.
Day Care Facility:
It is suggested that if your dog is not socially accepting others then, he needs to be trained. Perhaps you are not well qualified to do this on your own. So, if you have some money to spare, get your dog trained from a certified trainer.
Exercise Reduces Barking:
Make sure that you are giving your dog ample physical exercise. The sessions should be ideal to keep the dog healthy and tired. When the pet has had a physically exhausting day, he shall reduce his barking spree considerably. It is a positive way to influence good mannerism in dogs.
The Reward and Greeting Technique:
Teach your dog social skills. Treat him with a cookie each time he greets a guest with a wag of his tail. Make him choose a spot wherein he needs to sit when any new guest enters the house.
Hold his muzzle gently and then release it, if he barks at a guest. Give him a cookie if and when he understands why you are holding onto his muzzle.
How can I get My Dog to Stop Barking when I Leave Home for Work?
Your pet dog is like a small child who needs all the attention he can get. Imagine how a small child shall react if you leave him alone at home. I am sure he would howl and crave for you to come home as soon as possible.
A pet dog feels and reacts in a similar fashion. The feeling of neglect, insecurity and lack of emotional bonding (when left alone) compels the animal to bark insistently. Nonetheless, with proper care and training, you can teach your dog not to bark when left alone.
Here are a few tips:
Engage the Pet in Positive Activities:
To begin with, you should teach your pet dog to engage in activities that have a positive impact on his mind. So, you may like to teach him to play with a stuffed toy, chew a bone or just run around the yard when left alone.
Make Sure the Dog is Tired:
When the dog has had his daily dose of exercise, he is sure to rest. So, barking is out of question as it is not on his priority list (sleep is). When you leave him alone with a bowl of water close by, all the pet wants is to rest on his fluffy mattress.
Devises that Resist Barking:
There are certain dog bark collars that tend to expel certain smells when a dog barks. This acts as a natural repellent to continuous barking. You might want to try and buckle such collars onto your pet’s neck.
Hemp Oil Treats:
These are special treats made from Cannabidiol. They have the ability to calm the dog’s mind whenever he is feeling restless or anxious. So, you can keep a bowl full of such treats close to the pet’s bed when leaving him alone.
Remove Objects that Frighten Your Canine Friend:
It could be as small as a lamp shade that is shaped like a skull which is triggering fear within your dog. So, you need to remove that lamp shade and keep it in another room while leaving your dog alone at home. Doing so shall ease the pet’s anxiety and keep him calm.
Keep Your Pet Well Fed:
It is highly likely that your beloved pet barks often because it is short of food. Simply put, a hungry dog can bark loudly for hours. So, it is in your best interest to feed him well before heading out to work. A well fed canine friend shall behave nicely.
How can I get My Dog to Stop Barking at Everything?
It is but natural for any dog to bark. Nonetheless, when the pet begins to bark at any and everything that comes his way, there is definitely a cause for worry.
Barking dogs vary as per their breed and nature. Their genetic makeup is also responsible for making some breeds bark louder and longer than others. So, you need to identify them and then work on them to stop their barking.
The Guard Dogs:
If you have a guard dog such as a German Shepherd or a Rottweiler then, they are Alpha breeds. They shall defend their territories with their life.
They need to have a well-defined boundary. Try and keep them separate from the main door so as to avoid triggering them when anyone enters your home. You should also train them to quieten their barking.
The Compulsive Barkers:
Some breeds are born to bark. For example poodles shall bark at almost any and everything that moves – it could be a small lizard. While you cannot do much about such dogs as there are born with this tendency, you can however train them to pipe down a bit.
The Stressful Breeds:
There are certain dogs that tend to get stressful rather quickly. So, when they are anxious, they tend to bark continuously. While there is no specific breed of dogs that fits this category, their upbringing may be the cause for their stressful behavior.
For example, if you have bought a dog from a dog care home then, it is possible that the puppy has not been well taken care off. This causes scars in the dog’s mind that tend to trigger panic attacks.
You would have to ensure that you train the dog to recover from this mental trauma. If the need arises then, show the dog to a pet psychologist.
Lazy Dogs:
Breeds such as collie or pointers tend to be lazy by nature. They tend to neglect regular exercises. So, when they skip their evening walks, they have all the energy left within their bodies to bark aloud.
To ensure that such breeds to not create a ruckus, take them out for regular evening walks. Exercising the dog shall ensure that he has little energy left to bark continuously.
Attention Seekers:
Some dogs are born with the intent to keep you close to them. Similar to a spoilt child, such dogs tend to bark the moment you divert your attention towards any other task at hand.
You would have to set such breeds right by training them to self-engage themselves. This could be done via the aid of a soft toy or a toy bone.
Dog Bark Collar – Is it Really Effective in Stopping Your Dog from Barking Continuously?
‘How can I stop my dog from barking so much? If this question is worrying you then, you may like to opt for technological interference to resolve your issue.
Also known as an anti-bark collar, dog bark collars use various techniques to stop a dog from barking at everything. Electronic devise to stop dogs barking have become exceedingly popular.
Nonetheless, do they really work to control barking dogs?
Let’s find out:
Dog bark collar or anti bark collar is a devise fortified with an electromagnetic field that is activated each time a dog starts to bark. Dog bark collars may also be operated with the aid of a remote control devise.
These collars may also deliver a mist that has a fragrance which is not suitable for dogs. So, each time a dog barks, it may emit a smell a dog would love to steer clear of.
Some even deliver a slight current (shock). Others vibrate when the dogs bark thereby sending an uncomfortable sensation in their throat. Whether they are effective or not is hard to tell.
The harsher ones (that deliver shock waves) do work yet they are cruel to the animal. Milder ones (such as the ones that emit mist) may be adapted by the pet thereby being rendered useless.
What are the Different Kinds of Dog Collars?
Let us take a quick look at the most common collar types for dogs:
Dog Bark Collar with Remote Control:
In this dog training devise, the anti-bark collar is operated with the aid of a remote control. So, whenever your dog is barking uncontrollably or exhibiting aggressive behavior (when it is not required), you press the remote control button to send shockwaves to the animal (delivered via the collar).
Dog Bark Collars with Vibration:
The second type of anti-bark collar is based on vibration principles. These dispatch pulse waves to the collar each time the dog barks. These vibrations tend to irritate the throat area of the dog, which is why the pet stops barking.
These collars use ‘soft action’ to get the job done. Hence, they are not as effective in their overall approach. If the dog is lighter than 12 pounds, vibration collars may not be best suited.
Multipurpose Bark Collars for Dogs:
This variant tends to make use of a wide variety of bark control mechanisms. Some of the most common ones include dispatching shock waves, vibrations and even high pitches noises.
Depending on the nature of the usage, you can adjust (which combination is to be applied to the collar) at the time of training your beloved pet.
Anti Bark Collars with Rechargeable Batteries:
You simply need to fix this collar onto the neck of your pet once and forget about it. When the vibrations or shock signals diminish, simply recharge the batteries and get on with it once again. These are cost effective ways of keeping a firm grip over your beloved pet.
Chip Based Bark Collars for Dogs:
These collars are fortified with a special chip that detects a dog’s barking. The moment it barks, the chip activates a high frequency sound that emits from the anti bark collar.
While this sound is not audible to the human ear, it tends to rattle the dog. Some of these collars tend to emit vibrations as well.
Anti Bark Collar that Dispatches Shock Waves:
Shock collars are widely used by dog owners the world over. These collars tend to dispatch distress signal to the dog’s throat area. This is in the form of a shockwave that the dog feels each time the devise is activated.
Shock collars have different levels of shock delivery slabs. These can be adjusted. Some have a static level of shock delivery. A few are constant while others are activated via remote control.
Weatherproof Shock Collars for Dogs:
Such type of shock collars can be used on dogs of varying breeds. These tend to be waterproof and hence, they last a lifetime if used carefully. The distinct advantage here is that such collars are milder versions of the original dog shock collars.
Are Shock Collars Effective in Stopping a Dog from Barking?
It depends on the type of anti-bark collar that you are making use of. It also depends on the size of the concerned dog. If the dog is of large size (Great Dane) then, bark collars using shock waves may be insufficient to get the job done.
You may need to increase the shockwaves, which is harmful for the pet. If the animal is of a smaller breed (such as a Pomeranian) then, shock collars may be effective in controlling their barking sprees.
Moreover, the intensity of shocks delivered to the animal’s neck varies from one company to another. It is the manufacturer who determines the shock-level applied towards the final product.
The frequency of shock plays a major role in determining the true worth of a dog bark shock collar. Small frequencies are ideal as they dispatch a slight tingle to the dog’s throat. Medium frequencies tend to irate the dog whereas high shock frequencies tend to injure the pet.
Nine countries in the world including Austria, Switzerland, Germany, UK and Sweden have banned the use of shock collars for training dogs. So, it is entirely up to you to use this devise for training your pet not to bark.
What are the Best Alternatives to Anti Bark Collars?
Hey, you know what – shocking your dog to stifle his bark is not the best thing in the world a dog lover should do. I mean, the pain, agony and distress that dog bark collars deliver to the poor animal is worth considering.
If you really love your pet dog, you would never want him to be distressed in any which way. Barking dogs exhibit varying emotions via their bark. It could be anger, disgust, anxiety, love, affection, dominance or urgency.
You need to consider their bark as normal. If it gets too loud or consistent to the level of annoying you and others then, you might want to take remedial actions.
Here are a few soft training that might work:
Clicker Method:
How to train your puppy not to bark depends on how you approach the problem. There is a tiny dog training object termed as the clicker. You hold it in your hand and ‘push’ the clicker. It is an indicator to the dog to perform a positive act.
So, the ‘click’ of this devise prompts the dog to perform an action – it could be as simple as ‘stop barking’. Once the dog obeys, he is rewarded with a treat. Soon, the pet learns that it needs to stop barking at others when he overhears a ‘click’ from the clicker devise.
The Big Bunny or a Chew Bone:
An ideal alternative to the regular electronic devises to stop dogs barking is a toy. Yes, a toy such as a ‘stuffed bunny’ shall work wonders in distracting your dog.
So, the next time around your dog starts to bark at every other guest or dog that enters your house, give him a toy. You could even hand over a special chewing bone.
With time, the pet would understand that he needs to stop barking at others. Each time he agrees to quieten down when offered a toy to play with, give him a cookie. This extra treat shall reinforce the pet with a habit of not barking at others.
Collars with Natural (Ingredient Based) Repellent Spray:
There are certain collars that emit spray of water or perfume laced with citronella. It helps in deterring the animal to bark simply because dogs do not like water being sprayed onto their face. They also do not like the smell of citronella.
Nonetheless, you need to be very cautious while making use of these collars. You need to refill the liquid within their cavities as it gets empty real quick.
You also need to ensure that you use this collar sparingly. Perhaps wearing it a few hours in a day (onto the dog’s neck) is enough – it is not a round-the-clock devise.
How can I Get my Dog to Stop Barking – My Conclusive Analysis
Dogs bark as they need to communicate with each other and with you. They express their emotions and feelings via their bark as well as their body language. Nonetheless, the problem arises when dogs bark loudly and constantly.
Constant barking is a resultant of a trigger. You need to identify that trigger and find the most suitable solution to counter that trigger. Soon, you should be able to teach the dog not to bark when it is not required.
Teaching your dog not to bark at others may be a nagging and time taking process but your patience and perseverance shall help your dog learn appreciable social skills.