Barking dog
Advice (1)
Hi Yvonne,
Barking is a natural behavior, but it can get out of hand. I have a couple of suggestions for you.
First, excessive barking can be the result of pent up energy, so try to make sure your dog gets more exercise. Daily activities can include one or two walks, short sessions of fetch or Frisbee, and you can even teach your dog to chase a light from a laser pen. This extra stimulation redirects all that energy away from nuisance barking.
Second, you've got to make sure you don't reward the barking behavior with your attention. Do not respond to your dog's barking, and don't even yell at your dog to stop. Ignore it completely, but get a treat and have it in hand. The exact moment your dog stops barking, give him the treat. Dogs make instant connections between their behaviors and what happens next. You want your dog to associate the treat with being quiet. Practice with your dog so you are eventually able to show him the treat and he will stop barking.
