Barking is the natural form of communication for every dog. However, when it becomes excessive, it can be frustrating for the dog parent. Barking for long hours not only irritates the house inmates but also disturbs the neighbourhood. However, it is also not a natural phenomenon that any dog should exhibit. Excessive barking can lead to health and behavioural issues in dogs if not addressed early. It’s essential to identify the probable reasons behind the same and mitigate them as soon as possible with proper dog training.
Is your dog barking abnormally? Contact professionals for dog training in Rossendale.
Why Dog Bark too Much?
To Seek Attention
Many dogs understand that excessive barking will help them get their dog parent’s undivided attention. This triggers the behaviour in these dogs whenever they require attention.
To Get Rid of Boredom
Dogs require both physical and mental exercise to maintain their health and reduce anxiety levels. However, if a dog has been confined to a small space for a long time, they will become bored and start barking. For them, it is a way to release pent-up energy and entertain themselves.
For Lack of Proper Training
If a dog is given improper training and is not taught to behave socially, it will continue to bark, especially at other people and animals.
Out of Fear and Anxiety
Sometimes, when a dog encounters loud noises, strange things around them, or is suffering from separation anxiety, they tend to bark excessively.
How to Help Them Stop Excessive Barking?
Understand the Problem
Stop your dog from excessive barking, you need to understand the triggers. Is it allowed to make noise? Is it is doorbell? Are there simply no reasons for excessive barking? Once you have identified the trigger, you can easily control the dog’s behaviour.
Do Not Yell at Them
It is natural to feel irritated when the dog keeps on barking for a long time. However, if you yell at them, they will become more aggressive and their anxiety levels will go up. On the other hand, try and calm them and contact a professional trainer for help.
Give Them a Reward
Positive reinforcement is the best method for training your dog. Train them to be quiet and calm, and introduce a reward system for this behaviour. Over time, they will associate this behaviour with the reward, and in their pursuit of it, they will exhibit calm behaviour.
Keep Calm Surroundings
Anxiety is not good for the mental health of the dog. Most of the time, prevention is the key to success. Rather than training your dog, maintain a calm environment in your house. Make sure that you do not fight in front of your dog, as it will trigger anxiety in them. Keep them calm and comfortable with the things they like; this will reduce their aggressiveness and control their barking behaviour.
Your dog will behave the way you train it. Hire professional dog trainers from K9 Boot Camp to help you with proper training facilities.