Stop Dog

Barking

There are many reasons for dog barking. Your dog may bark as

a warning that your home has been broken into by a burglar or

to let you know of the approach of a stranger. Dog barking is

also used to get attention or to intimidate the dog owner or

others. Whatever the reason for the barking, I’m sure we are

all in agreement that it is annoying and ways need to be found

to stop it quickly. Owners of constantly barking dogs are

sometimes charged with disturbing the peace. Luckily, there are

several ways to discourage dogs from barking without good

reason.

Training your dog when it is appropriate for him to bark is

the probably the best way to stop unwanted dog barking.

Although there are a number of options, the best way is the

reward/reprimand method. This is an effective and humane

method.

In order to avoid using this training method, some dog

owners use an electronic bark collar which emits a small

electric shock when the dog barks. Eventually, the dog barking

ceases as the dog connects his barking with an unpleasant

experience. I am of the opinion that using this method to stop

dog barking is inhumane and cruel.

Electronic collars should not be used for a variety of

reasons, one being that not all dogs connect their barking with

the uncomfortable shock. They learn to tolerate the shock and

continue to bark. In addition, if the prongs on the collar do

not touch the dog’s skin, a dog with a thick coat will not feel

the shock. It should be noted that only using an electronic

collar for training rarely stops dog barking. For the best

results, dog obedience training is also necessary.

Some people are of the opinion that electronic collars could

discourage dogs, even though the collar may not really hurt

them. People who have this viewpoint often use citronella

collars which work on a similar principle to electronic

collars. The citronella collar emits a mist when the dog barks.

As dogs tend to dislike the smell, they will begin to connect

their barking with the foul aroma and will stop barking. The

success rate is about the same as for electronic collars.

Although electronic collars can be useful training tools,

most vets and dog trainers feel that they cannot be used as a

replacement for good obedience training. Dog obedience training

helps to solve more dog behavior issues than just how to stop

dog barking.

Surgery is sometimes used to stop dog barking. This is the

most barbaric and drastic option. The dog is prevented from

barking by having a piece of tissue removed from the larynx.

There have been cases where the dog’s ability to bark has

returned, voiding the goal of the surgery. Thankfully, most

vets are opposed to surgery to stop dog barking.

I hope we have managed to convince you that good dog

obedience training is essential for dog barking and most other

dog behavior problems. It is worth noting that if a dog stops

barking with an electronic collar, he will not bark when a

burglar enters your home. However, a dog that is given

obedience training will know the appropriate times to bark and

will protect you and your family.