How do I stop my dog from barking?

Question

My dog is driving me crazy! He won't stop barking.. we have one of those citronella collars on him, but it isn't doing any good. What can I do?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

I had the same problem as you, and believe me, I considered the debarking surgery, but it just seemed too mean and I couldn't do it. I bought a dog training course awhile back, http://properdogtraining.com/ , and it helped me to finally stop the barking, not to mention fix a few other problems. Maybe you should check it out.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thanks, I'll definitely check it out!

Answer 2

First off, let me start by telling you that no amount of training will prevent a dog 100% from barking. Dogs bark for many different reasons. However, through training them you can teach them only to bark for certain reasons. One trick i've learned is to distract them with a treat or a toy when they start barking. For example, if your dog starts to bark at a person, get their attention with a treat or one of their favorite toys and hold their attention until the person has left the area or the dog has calmed down.

Answer 3

You don't really give enough information for me to give a complete answer. I can tell you that citronella collars are a waste of time.

Why? It may work the first five or six times but eventually, whatever reason your dog has for barking becomes more important than a shot of mist in the face.

Common reasons dogs bark:
They are kept outside and are bored. Solution--bring the dog inside and give it plenty of exercise. No dog should be kept outside all the time.

They are kept inside and have learned that barking gets attention. Sure, you probably don't praise your dog when it barks but I'm sure you do something. Even yelling is attention to your dog. Solution--Teach your dog the "quiet" command. Firmly say "Quiet!" when your dog barks and the moment it stops, give it a treat, pet it, act all excited. Your dog will learn that good things happen only when it is quiet.

They are trying to protect their territory. You dog views everything it sees as its territory. If there is a person outside walking by, a cat, a squirrel, a car...anything...your dog might feel the need to bark at it. Solution--same as above.

Source(s):

I am a professional dog trainer

Answer 4

Controversial, and I really don't feel like listing all the positive reasons, but find a vet who will surgically temporarily alter the vocal cords (debarking).

Before deciding against it, go to an AKC show and hang around the Sheltie/Collie conformation classes - I will bet you a lot of them, especially those with several, have their dogs debarked.

Btw, the pain is only for a day or so, just like a tonsillectomy, or a spay/neuter. After it heals, the dog is fine and can bark to it's heart's without disturbing the neighbors.

Answer 5

Hi,

It's in a dog's nature to bark. They enjoy barking, and they bark for many reasons. They will bark when they want something, when they are playing, when they are establishing their territory, when they are frightened or when they are annoyed. The first step towards controlling excessive barking is to understand the specific reasons behind it. Here's more info:

http://dogtime.com/barking-aspca.html

Answer 6

Every time you hear the dog bark go "AH AH AH!" in a very stern voice. The dog will be distracted by that noise and will stop barking. Or you can get some treats and when you get his attention and he stops barking give him the treat right then and there.

Answer 7

If all else fails you could always have him debarked. It is a quick & easy operation which is done in just a few minutes while they are under an anesthesia. Whatever way you go, I wish the best of luck that goes to him & u both :-)

Answer 8

Train him. Go to a dog training class if for some reason you can't train him.

Answer 9

I would go on e bay and find you a bark collar and then after your dog learns slowly ease him and take the collar off him.