Barking plays a basic role in canine communication, as it is a way of relating to your environment. Beyond normal, a dog’s being excessively loud can be due to a variety of causes: from physical discomfort to a sign that you’re not paying attention to it.
Either way, this behavior can alert us that something is wrong with your education or your health. Read on to identify the most likely cause, and take note of some tips to keep a dog from barking non-stop.
Index of contents
- 1 What makes a dog bark a lot?
- 2 Tips to prevent a dog from barking
- 2.1 Create a quiet environment
- 2.2 Avoid scolding him excessively and any form of violence
- 2.3 Use exercise and play
- 2.4 Use the prizes correctly
- 2.5 Take control during walks
- 2.6 Choose the right place and time for your outings
- 3 Define your territory
What makes a dog bark a lot?
It is not uncommon to meet barking dogs anywhere in Spain. Among the most common causes that explain this behavior, we find:
- Separation anxiety. Surely you heard this expression before, because it is a habitual disorder. It usually appears in homes where humans are absent for most of the day. This makes the dogs stay many hours without company. Separation anxiety is not only evident in barking, also in destructive behaviors, in the tendency to dig or in the development of grim behaviors.
- Excessive territoriality. No wonder a dog barks when it hears the doorbell or even earlier. Through his barking he is warning you that there is a visitor and this should not worry you. If the horse is very noisy and insistent in these situations, it surely indicates that it is a dog with a strong sense of territoriality and a dominant character. You must instruct him correctly and socialize him to prevent him from developing aggressive behaviors.
- Incorrect socialization. Socialization is essential for the dog to be able to relate to its environment in a healthy way. Progressively, when other animals and people come into contact, they lose their fear and mistrust towards the unknown. If this process is not carried out correctly, the dog’s response will be to bark at what it does not know and, therefore, causes fear.
- Breeds prone to being noisy. Some canine varieties have a natural disposition to bark as a result of their heritage. Among the best known are small breeds such as the Chihuahua or the Pekingese, but also the Poodles and the Miniature Schnauzer or those with hunter heritage such as the Fox Terrier, the Beagle or the Cairn Terrier.
These are just a few reasons that may explain excessive barking in the hound, but not the only ones. Other triggers can be age or some health problems. If you suspect that you may be ill or losing faculties, go to a professional as soon as possible so that they can examine you properly.
Tips to prevent a dog from barking
Once you find out why a dog is barking excessively, it is time to put into practice a series of tips to end this habit once and for all.
Create a quiet environment
Many times a noisy dog is the reflection of the environment in which it lives. A home where you live in a relaxed and stress-free way will surely help a very barking dog calm down.
Avoid scolding him excessively and any form of violence
Many races do not respond well to very harsh instruction. In fact, methods that use physical punishment are almost always counterproductive. Although education must be firm, you must never lose patience. Remember that due to their strong temperament, many breeds are not recommended for first-time educators.
Use exercise and play
Physical activity is essential for a dog to be balanced. Daily games and walks are a good way to get rid of stress-barking. Remember that tensions affect you. Therefore, it is important to detect early if your dog suffers from this problem and avoid any type of punishment.
Use the prizes correctly
Positive reinforcement is a suitable method for dog education, but you must know how to apply it. Never offer him treats or sweets when he starts barking nonstop. Even if you think you’re distracting him, you will only be rewarding his bad behavior.
In other words: you will encourage me to do it again. The ideal to distract you is with a different activity. For example, take him out to the garden to play or order him to sit down. Once he has listened to you, you can reward him and thus, he will associate the treat with appropriate behavior.
Take control during walks
Control the timing of exits and make sure you never lose control of the situation. Do not go for a walk unless you are relaxed and adopt a firm and secure posture at all times.
If it barks when crossing other dogs, don’t panic. Never stretch the strap, because you will only transmit your nervousness. The best thing in these cases is that you continue walking calmly.
Choose the right place and time for your outings
Try to choose quiet places for walks, where your partner feels comfortable. Avoid places with heavy traffic or annoying noises, as this will create stress and trigger your need to bark.
Try to go out every day, always at the same times and at times with little influx of people. This way you will feel calmer and establish routines that will give you more confidence and security.
Define your territory
Barking can appear when something directly affects them within what they consider “their” territory. One solution is to mark that stimulus – which can be an object, a corner of the house, or a person – as yours. For this you must stand between the dog and what motivates its barking. In the end you will understand that it does not belong to you. If he considers you a pack leader, he’ll get the message soon.
Definitely: Each dog has a different personality and circumstances, something you should keep in mind when addressin
g options to combat excessive barking. Many times it is a difficult habit to remove, so resorting to professional advisers who give you guidelines on how to approach a specific case can be very helpful.