Tips For Quieting A Barking Dog

Ruff, ruff, ruff, ruff … A barking dog can be annoying, but he is just trying to communicate.

We want our pooches to be “watch dogs” and alert us to anything out of the ordinary, but in some cases barking can be excessive. Here are some tips for managing a barker:

-- Dogs bark for many different reasons. Ask yourself, is your pooch lonely, bored, or does he suffer separation anxiety when you leave? Do you spend enough time with your furry companion? Dogs are pack animals and prefer the company of other canines and people. Most dogs will not be happy just sitting in a yard by themselves with nothing to do but bark. Spend more time with your dog and consider adopting another animal so he has a companion.

-- Teach your dog to look to you for behavior cues. If you call him, have him lie down (dogs do not bark as much when lying down) and teach him to stay. Good training can go a long way in solving a barking problem.

-- Shouting "No" is only going to make matters worse! Your loud voice is the equivalent of a bark, so your dog may very well be happy that you joined in. Be consistent with your training, using only one word when he barks. Calmly, slowly and sternly, say, “enough.” Use the same word and tone each time you want to quiet him.

-- Be patient with your dog. Changing his behavior can take time, especially in an older dog. Reward for good behavior -- this is more powerful than punishment for bad. Physical punishment will just make your dog fearful in general and break the bond you have.

-- Provide your dog with lots of toys to occupy his mind and his natural urge to chew.

-- Nighttime barking can be appropriate if your dog is alerting you to danger, so listen to his cues. If the barking becomes excessive and troublesome to your neighbors, however, let your dog sleep inside to avoid him becoming a community nuisance.

-- In extreme cases, there are some training tools on the market that can be useful. Bark collars can be found in pet stores, but talk to your vet first about the efficacy and safety of the collar you choose.

-- In the most extreme cases, debarking can be considered. This procedure involves surgically removing the vocal chords. The dog can still be heard barking, but it will be a quieter sound.

-- Don’t be afraid to ask for expert help if you need it. Giving up on your barking dog only places him in the hands of another who may do the same.

Does your barking dog need a companion? Check out the attached photo gallery of possible friends awaiting a new home at . Before adopting, however, make sure your dog and the animal you adopt are compatible. Shelter staff can help you find a good match!