If you live with a dog that is a barker and are increasingly becoming tired of the incessant noise, look into why your dog is barking because you don't have to put up with it. Dogs bark for various reasons, including to attract human attention, as a warning, in response to other barking dogs, when they are frightened, or when they are excited, and it's crucial to figure out what makes them bark before you start teaching them.

If your dog howls for attention, resist the temptation to give in to her demands. Though you may want to scold your dog, you may unknowingly praise her for barking, even if your response is negative.

In this instance, ignore the barking. Wait five seconds for your dog to be quiet before rewarding him with attention. This teaches your dog that when they bark, they receive nothing, but when they are silent, they get everything.

As many vets point out, barking is a natural dog behavior and not something to get angry at your dog for doing. They state, "If your dog isn't trying to attract your attention and you can't see any external factors causing your canine to bark, they may be barking because they are bored. This is very common in working dog breeds that require much mention, physical stimulation, and lots of walking. If they are not getting this, barking and destructive behavior may come next."

Only one of my dogs barks regularly, and that is Mini-Cooper. Bentley has barked maybe three times in four years, and Spencer only barks when we aren't moving fast enough to feed him. Cooper barks when he hears a threatening sound or sees a stranger. His barking is due to fear. Spencer's barking is due to want, and Bentley's lack of barking is due to his laid-back, "who cares?" attitude.

If your dog begins barking as soon as you reach for your dog's leash to take her on a walk, let go of the leash and take a seat. Continue doing this until your dog stops barking. If you attach the leash successfully, but they bark as soon as they step outside, quickly return inside. Patience is required for this strategy, but if you stick with it, your dog will rapidly learn that remaining quiet means a waggy tail. If your dog barks joyfully in the backyard, take the following steps: 1- Bring them back into the home and only let them out when they are completely quiet. If necessary, repeat the process, and never leave them alone in the backyard. 2- Barking in response to anything, if they react and barks at other dogs or humans inside or outside the house, it could be because they haven't been properly socialized. It would help if you properly socialized your dogs to protect them from unwanted danger. You may benefit from animal behavior and counseling.

Your dog will benefit from a program that teaches them how to cope in social situations. Start these programs with a trained positive and humane trainer well in advance of any upcoming family gatherings or holiday celebrations. It may be easier for your dog to spend time in a secure area behind a dog gate with enrichment toys to play with rather than interact with strangers.

When left alone, dogs with anxiety will frequently bark heavily for the first 30 minutes, and some will continue to bark until their owner returns. If your dog barks when separated from you, you should seek professional assistance, as separation anxiety is a difficult behavior to change.

Giving your dog extra outlets and opportunities for enrichment throughout the day, such as walking or doing a discharge activity like chewing on a toy, is one of the most excellent cures for dogs who bark excessively as long as your dog has a clean bill of health from the doctor. You can also take up dog obedience training classes.

Giving your barking dog these outlets will go a long way toward making your home more tranquil and bark-free. This means that dogs learn from what people do, and to fully benefit from the power of social learning, one must be conscious of one's body language. Yes, it might be irritating not to "shout" back at a barking dog, but once you've recognized the problem, it's up to you to figure out how to stop the barking. Remember, adopt, don't shop.