Post by ShariMurphy on Aug 30, 2014 12:30:48 GMT -5
Preventing Excessive Barking
Barking is a normal and natural means of canine communication. However, when barking becomes excessive it can become a source of frustration to families and neighbors. How much your dog barks falls under establishing your house rules. Barking may be desirable when the dog is guarding the home or warning strangers at the door. The most important principle in preventing excessive barking is to interrupt any non-approved barking episodes before they become a reinforcer.
Consider a 3-Bark Rule: Up to 3 barks is okay and then it must be interrupted. Prevent excess barking from becoming a bad habit.
Unintentional reinforcement of excess barking
- Be careful not to accidentally reinforce unwanted barking.
- Do NOT attempt to stop barking or calm the dog by providing a bone, toy, food treat, or with your attention.
- Do not pet the dog while the dog is still barking.
- Do NOT let the dog in the house or release from any other isolation or confinement in response to barking. This includes the crate and time-out!
- Provide distractions before the barking begins or as a reward for the dog being quiet on your request. This means try to learn what your dog barks at and try to distract them by closing the blinds, bringing them inside, or initiating play.
- Make sure the dog is quiet - even for two seconds (to start) - before getting any rewards. Then slowly increase the amount of time your dog needs to be quiet before being rewarded.
- As time goes on, expect more and more seconds, then minutes of quiet before the reward. It can also happen when a dog is released from confinement after barking. Be aware if there are other things you may be doing to unintentionally reinforce the barking you wish to stop.
If you take these steps to prevent excessive barking, you will be able to enjoy your dog more and do more things with your dog.