Having a dog in your home is an amazing feeling, especially when they greet you with wagging tails, shower you with slobbery kisses, and are always ready for a game of fetch. However, our dogs can make a little too much noise sometimes. Excessive barking is a common behavioral problem in dogs, and it can drive us, our neighbors, and even our guests a little bonkers.
What can you do to stop your beloved “bantay” from barking too much? Here, PetPal will help you explore why they may be barking excessively and some ways to reduce their noise.
Understanding Why Dogs Bark
Before we start, it’s important to understand why dogs bark. Dogs use their voices to communicate many things — it’s as natural to them as talking is to us. They bark when they’re happy, scared, bored, or even when they see a bird flying around! However, if your dog is barking a lot, it might be because they’re trying to tell you something.
With this, here are some methods to stop your dog from barking too much:
Pay Attention to What Your Dog Needs or Wants
The first thing to do to stop your dog from barking is to make sure they have everything they need. Are they hungry? Do they need to go outside? Are they bored and itching for a walk or a visit to the park? Once you’ve figured out what they need, you can help them, and hopefully, they’ll stop barking.
Train Your Dog
Training your dog is a key part of stopping them from barking excessively. Start by teaching your dog to be quiet on command. You can use a word like “Quiet” or “Shush”. When your dog stops barking, make sure to give them a treat or a pat on the head with lots of praises to show them they did a good job.
A lot of times, all it takes is some positive reinforcement and proper training — with a lot of patience. Remember, practice makes perfect!
Distract Them
If your dog barks because they’re bored, try giving them something to do. Toys, puzzle feeders, and chews can all help keep your dog busy. You can also try playing with your dog more often. Remember: A tired dog is a quiet dog!
Ignore Their Barks
This might seem strange, but sometimes, the best thing to do is ignore your pup when they’re barking. If your dog barks for attention, resist the urge to give it to them, as this will only reinforce the behavior! Instead, wait until they stop barking, then give them a treat or a toy. This teaches your dog that barking doesn’t get them what they want.
Seek Professional Help
If your dog is still barking a lot despite your best efforts, it might be time to get some professional help. A dog trainer or a vet can give you professional tips and tricks to help stop your dog from barking. They can even help you figure out why your dog is barking so much in the first place.
The Takeaway
Remember, it’s normal for dogs to bark sometimes. It’s kind of their thing! But if your dog is barking a lot, it’s always important to figure out why and find a way to help them. With patience, love, and a little bit of training, you can help your dog bark less and enjoy a peaceful, quiet home. Your ears and neighbors will thank you!
For more personalized advice on managing your dog’s barking and other behavioral issues, download the PetPal app from the Google Play Store or the App Store today. Our partner vets are available for online consultations, offering expert guidance to ensure your pet’s happiness and well-being.
