Excessive/Obsessive Barking

If you have a dog, you better expect some barking, whining or howling. It is unrealistic and unfair to think you can train your dog to stop barking altogether. However, you, your neighbors and your dog will all be much happier if the barking is under control.

There are some circumstances where just about any dog will give voice: * She's bored * She's lonely * She's hungry, or knows it's time for a meal * Something is wrong/someone is near the house * She's inviting you to play * She sees another animal * She needs the toilet If your dog is barking for any of these reasons, it's not really realistic for you to try to stop her: after all, she's a dog, and it's the nature of all dogs to bark at certain times and in certain situations.

The main causes of problem barking are:

  • Anxiety
  • Frustration
  • Lack of exercise
  • Separation anxiety
  • Territorial – defence and alert
  • Fear
  • Boredom
  • lack of rules, boundaries and limitations

Excessive barking is a matter of preference. Personally, I allow my dogs two barks and then they must be quiet and only one dog is allowed to sound the alarm (in other words, the others can't join in barking just because one barked)..

With a new puppy, barking can quickly become a problem. Puppies bark because of any of the above reasons, or because it's part of play. Sometimes, with a puppy, he will bark at something new, an object, person or another dog because he's trying to figure out what it is and if it's safe

Train your dog to Speak and Be Quiet.

Barking is one of the most difficult canine behaviors to modify. It is a "self-reinforcing" activity for the dog, which means that the act of barking is its own reward in many instances. To stop the excessive or obcessive barking, make barking OK until the dog is told to "Quiet." Think of "Quiet" as an obedience command rather that simply an unpredictable reprimand. Each time your dog barks, after two or three woofs, praise her for sounding the alarm - a quiet "thank you". Then tell her, "Quiet." You decide how many barks are enough and keep it consistent.

In the training process make this a game that you can play with your dog. Teach the dog to speak by saying "speak" every time she barks. Then say "quiet" and after an amount of time (start with 5 seconds and gradually increase it) treat her. You can use the smell of the treats to get her attention as you say "speak", but she doesn't get a treat for "speaking".

Once she is speaking on cue and being quiet on cue, your job is done. Now when she barks at the mailman, a sound, a bird in the window or just because she wants your attention, say "quiet". You never need to use "speak" again once you've achieved speaking on cue, unless you want to impress your friends or during refresher training that you should be doing at least once a week with all commands and cues your dog knows.

Other things to do:

  • Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise so there is not as much pent-up energy to burn by barking.
  • Avoid leaving a lonely dog alone for long periods of time if possible.
  • Never go to comfort, pet, hug or feed your dog when she is barking for attention or out of anxiety - that would be rewarding the behavior, thus encouraging it.
  • Shouting at your dog to stop barking will probably just sound like more barking. It may actually cause her to bark even more.
  • Avoid punishments like shock collars. They are not only painful and unkind - many dogs will learn to test them and eventually work around them.
  • Try to get her attention with a clap or whistle. Once she is quiet, redirect her attention to something productive and rewarding - like a toy or treat.
  • After getting your dog's attention, practice basic commands, like sit and down in order to shift her focus.
  • DO NOT let your dog bark constantly outside, regardless of the reason. You can hardly train her to stop barking by yelling at her across the yard. Plus, it is one of the fastest ways to turn neighbors into enemies and send an invitation to your local police.
  • Consult your veterinarian and/or a dog trainer if you continue to face barking issues, despite your best efforts.