Does your dog bark at everything from the mailman to passing cars? You’re not alone! As a dog trainer, I am constantly asked how to fix this common behavior.
Here are some common reasons that dogs bark. 1. Alert or Warning. Is someone outside or around? Your dog is trying to tell you that there is someone around. Personally, I let my dog bark once or twice to allow him to tell me someone is at the door. After that, I tell him to “Quiet” and go to place when someone is around. (If you’re not familiar with the ‘place’ command, I highly recommend looking into it.) But first, I would suggest teaching “quiet”.
2. Attention-Seeking. Your dog may want your attention, so they are barking at you in order to get it. Are you looking at your dog when they bark at you? Are you talking to them when they bark at you? Don’t! Ignore the barking and reward the calm and quiet behavior with a treat, pet, or praise. Looking at them and talking to them gives them attention, even if it isn’t positive. 3. Boredom or Loneliness. Maybe your dog is bored or lonely. When was the last time you played with them or took them on a walk? Provide toys, mental stimulation, or go on a walk to break up the day.
4. Fear or Anxiety. How is the weather outside? Is there a stranger in your home, or anything else that could be causing them to be fearful or anxious? Work on desensitization and confidence. When I notice that a dog is feeling anxious or fearful, I try to build their confidence and distract them if possible. I will do some basic commands that they might be good at, or give them a treat. Depending on the level of anxiety or fear, you may need to consult a trainer to come up with more ways to desensitize your dog so they can start to feel calm and capable.
5. Territorial behavior. Try to limit visuals if you can, and use redirection. Call them to you when they see someone, and have them sit next to you, or you could put them on “place”.
6. Play or Excitement If you are not a fan of them barking when they are playing, you can teach them to bring a toy to you when they are excited and ready to play.
7. Pain or discomfort. If you think that they are exhibiting signs of pain or discomfort, please consult your vet.
8. Frustration. Remove whatever they might be getting frustrated at if you are able to, and redirect them to focus on a more productive activity.
9. Learned behavior. If they have learned this behavior, avoid reinforcing barking by only giving rewards (any kind of attention, treats etc.) when the dog is quiet.
If you’re struggling with barking or other behaviors, please feel free to contact me for help!
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