Stop Dogs Barking

May 13, 2009 by · Leave a Comment 

Dogs bark for many different reasons. Your dog may begin to bark when a stranger approaches or if your house is on fire. A dog will also bark if he is pain or scared. Dogs also bark to get their owner’s undivided attention or to frighten their owner or other people.

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Whatever the reason, we all agree that it can be extremely aggravating and seek ways to stop dogs barking. It has been known for owners of dogs that bark all the time to be charged with disturbing the peace. Thankfully, it is possible to stop dogs barking without just cause.

The best way to stop dogs barking is to train your dog when it is appropriate for him to bark. Although a variety of options may be considered, the most effective method is the reward/reprimand technique. This technique is successful and humane.

Some dog owners try to avoid this training option by using an electronic collar, also called a bark collar. When a dog barks, the collar around his neck is activated. Your dog will be startled by the small electric shock being produced by the collar. Eventually, your dog will stop barking as he connects discomfort with his barking. I believe that electronic collars are an inhumane method to stop dogs from barking.

There are many reasons why electronic collars should never be used, the least of which is that some dogs don’t associate the discomfort from the shock with their barking. Some dogs are able to tolerate the shocks so the barking continues. In order for the collar to be effective, the prongs must touch the skin which may not happen if a dog has a thick coat. Also, few people have any success in stopping their dog from barking just by using an electronic collar. Normally, the best results are achieved when obedience training is included.

Although electronic dog collars don’t really hurt dogs, some people think that they could be discouraging to dogs. It is for this reason that these people choose to use citronella collars, which work on the same principle as electronic collars. Citronella collars produce a mist when dogs bark. The smell is disliked by most dogs. Eventually, dogs realize that the revolting aroma is produced when they bark, so they stop barking to prevent the smell. The success rate is approximately the same as with electronic collars.

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Although an electronic collar can be a useful training device, most dog trainers and vets think that it cannot replace good obedience training. In addition, obedience training does more than simply stop dogs barking. It also helps with other dog behavior problems.

The option of surgery to stop dogs barking is both drastic and barbaric in my opinion. In order to stop dogs from barking, a portion of the larynx is removed. Occasionally, a dog’s bark will come back, making the surgery useless. Happily, the majority of vets are against surgery as a way to stop dogs from barking.

Finally, it is my hope that you now agree that obedience training is the method that should be used to prevent dog barking. You should bear in mind that, if your dogs stops barking by using a barking collar, he will also not alert you to an intruder in your house. With the correct obedience training, your dog will protect your family but will also know when it is appropriate to bark.

I hope you enjoyed this article. I also have a review of a great dog training product that you should check out here: Dove Cresswell’s Puppy Training & Dog Training Online

How to Stop Dogs Barking

April 29, 2009 by · Leave a Comment 

A dog will bark for many different reasons. Dogs may bark to warn you that a stranger is approaching or an intruder is breaking into your home. Other causes of dog barking are pain and fear. Dogs also bark to get their owner’s undivided attention or to frighten their owner or other people.

For a really fantastic dog training guide to stop dogs barking, check out: How to Stop Dogs Barking

Whatever the reason, we all agree that it can be extremely annoying and look for ways to stop dogs barking. Many dog owners with dogs that bark constantly are charged with disturbing the peace. Happily, there are many ways to stop a dog from barking for no particular reason.

The best way to stop dogs barking is to train your dog when it is appropriate for him to bark. Although a variety of options may be considered, the most effective method is the reward/reprimand technique. This method is both humane and effective.

Some dog owners try to circumvent obedience training with the use of an electronic or bark collar. The dog wears the collar, which is activated when the dog barks. When the bark collar gives off a small electronic shock, the dog is taken by surprise. Gradually, the dog barking stops as the dog associates his barking with a painful experience. In my opinion, bark collars are a cruel way of training dogs to stop barking.

Not all dogs realize that the uncomfortable shock is directly related to their barking; electronic collars should not be used for this reason and many others. Some dogs are able to tolerate the shocks so the barking continues. In addition, if the prongs on the collar do not touch the skin of a dog with a thick coat, he will probably not feel the electric shock. Also, few people have any success in stopping their dog from barking just by using an electronic collar. Normally, the best results are achieved when obedience training is included.

Although electronic dog collars don’t really hurt dogs, some people think that they could be discouraging to dogs. It is for this reason that these people choose to use citronella collars, which work on the same principle as electronic collars. Citronella collars produce a mist when dogs bark. Most dogs hate the smell. Eventually, dogs realize that the revolting aroma is produced when they bark, so they stop barking to prevent the smell. They are probably just about as successful as electronic collars.

Just a reminder, if you’re looking for a fantastic free site that will help you with your dog behavior problems, take a look at:  How to Stop Dogs Barking

If used correctly, electronic collars can be useful training tools, however most vets and dog trainers agree that they are no replacement for quality dog obedience training. Obedience training is effective for most dog behavior problems, not just dog barking. It also helps with other dog behavior issues.

The option of surgery to stop dogs barking is both drastic and barbaric in my opinion. A piece of tissue is removed from the larynx which prevents the dog from barking. Sometimes, the dog’s ability to bark returns, making the surgery a waste of time and money. Happily, the majority of vets are against surgery as a way to stop dogs from barking.

Finally, it is my hope that you now agree that obedience training is the method that should be used to prevent dog barking. You should bear in mind that, if your dogs stops barking by using a barking collar, he will also not alert you to an intruder in your house. If your dog receives obedience training, he will look after your family but will also know the correct times to bark.

I hope you enjoyed this article. I also have a review of a great dog training product that you should check out here: Dove Cresswell’s Puppy Training & Dog Training Online