Dogs naturally bark to communicate, but when that barking becomes excessive it can quickly turn from a harmless habit into a real nuisance. Whether you’re trying to keep your dog from disturbing the neighbours, or simply want a more peaceful home, tackling excessive barking is key.
Read on to explore some effective ways to help curb this behaviour, so both you and your pup can enjoy a more balanced, peaceful environment. With a little patience and some tried-and-true techniques, you’ll be well on your way to turning down the volume in your home.
Bark Collar
If you’re struggling with excessive barking from your pup, safe shock collars for dogs can be a helpful tool for training them. These collars work by emitting a light correction when the sensor detects barking, allowing your pup to quickly associate the behaviour with a gentle, harmless stimulus.
It’s important to remember that these aren’t meant to be worn all the time – just during the training process, and only when needed to correct unwanted barking. The goal of dog shock collars is to help your pet understand when barking is appropriate and when it’s not.
With consistent use, most pups begin to make the connection fairly quickly, reducing their unnecessary barking. Many owners find that their pets respond positively, learning that barking excessively isn’t rewarding, but without experiencing harm.
Keep in mind that shock collars for dogs should fit comfortably, not too tight, with proper placement on your pet’s neck to ensure accuracy. You should also continue to use positive reinforcement alongside the collar to reinforce good behaviour. So, if you’re ready to regain peace in your home and help your pup with a barking issue, this can be an effective part of your training routine.
Are Shock Dog Collars Inhumane?
A common concern when it comes to dog shock collars is whether they are cruel to pets. The simple answer is no, they aren’t. The term “static shock” often causes people to imagine something harsh or painful, but that’s not the case. The shock is similar to the mild static electricity you feel when you rub your feet on the carpet and touch a doorknob. It’s more of an attention-getting sensation than anything harmful.
Before using a dog shock collar on your pet, we suggest trying it out yourself to understand how it feels – unless you have a heart condition. It’s best to start at the lowest setting, and you’ll see that the sensation is far from painful. Then, gradually adjust it to find the level that gets your pet’s attention, but without causing distress. For most pups, the lowest setting is all it takes to curb their excessive barking.
Remove the Stimulus
Sometimes, the key to curbing excessive barking is simply removing the trigger that’s causing it. If your pet barks whenever they see a particular person or object, like the mailman or kids playing outside, one of the first steps is desensitising them to that stimulus. For example, if you know the bike rider comes by at a specific time, sit with your pup and offer treats when they first see the rider.
As they get closer, reward them again, but stop once they start barking. This positive reinforcement helps shift their focus from barking to getting treats, gradually breaking the habit. Another way to reduce barking is to remove visual triggers. If your dog barks at squirrels or other wildlife outside, try closing the curtains or blinds to block their view.
If they can’t see the squirrels, they won’t be able to bark at them. However, handling barking triggered by sounds can be a bit trickier. For instance, if your pup reacts to the sound of a passing mail truck or children playing nearby, consider masking those noises with some white noise or calming music.
Use Cues
Training your pup to stop barking with commands is another effective method that can pay off with patience and consistency. The key is to use a firm look, sound, or gesture to communicate with your dog. But it’s not just about getting their attention. You need to follow through until they fully submit.
Your pup might pause when you give a command, but it’s important to wait until they completely stop barking before moving on. It takes some time, but being calm and patient helps reinforce the idea that barking isn’t going to get them what they want. One helpful technique is to start by teaching them to bark on command. It might sound counterintuitive, but it works.
Begin by asking your dog to “speak,” rewarding them with treats when they bark. Over time, they’ll learn to respond to the command without the treats. Once your dog is comfortable with this, you can introduce the opposite command, “quiet.” When they stop barking, reward them with a treat. With consistent practice, they’ll learn that staying quiet brings positive reinforcement, and eventually you can reduce the treats.
Tire Them Out
One of the reasons dogs bark excessively is because they’re simply bored and have too much energy to burn. If they tend to bark when you come home, leave, or even when they’re just lounging around, it might be a sign they need more activity. A tired pup is a happy pup, and they’re less likely to bark out of frustration or boredom.
To keep your dog calm and content, it’s important to give them a good dose of exercise before you leave for the day and when you return home. When they’ve had a chance to run around and play, they’re much more likely to relax in their bed, rather than barking at the slightest sound. Whether it’s a long walk, a jog, or even a quick 15-minute game of fetch, physical activity can help release all that pent-up energy. Plus, it’s a great way for both of you to get some fresh air and bond.
