Barking is an innate mode of communication in dogs. The barking dog wants, among other things, to interact with its congeners and other species. The barking is variable in frequency, intonation and power depending on the message the dog wants to pass. It may be a invitation to play, to defend the territory, to attract attention…. and also the exteriorization of an excitement or a stress.

Certain breeds of dogs naturally bark more. For example, terriers selected for hunting are very barking dogs by nature. This ability was used when hunting. These dogs are now highly prized as a companion dog and therefore can cause nuisance barking problems. Studies have shown that there are therefore breeds of dogs that are more or less barking. The jack russel terrier and the cocker spaniel for example are easily barking dogs, so much so that the basenji and the Nordic dogs bark very much. However, in addition to these tendencies is the temperament of each dog.

One of the oldest roles of the dog was to warn its owners of a possible intrusion on the territory. It is therefore normal for our companions to bark when they sense a stranger nearby. In the countryside, no problem, the houses are spaced out and people rarely park in front of the gate. In the city, where the gardens are stuck to each other, where the passages in front of the fences are repetitive, where we can hear our neighbors discussing, walking above our heads, the dog’s senses are constantly on the alert and the urge to bark to warn us and to defend its territory are multiple.

The barking dog can also suffer from anxiety: stress may cause him to bark unreasonably. His stimulation threshold is lowered and at the slightest stimuli, the dog begins to vocalize to request the return of his master. This is often the case in behavioral problems related to separation from the teacher, during hyperactivity syndrome, but also simply when the dog’s needs for physical activity, exploration and play are not met.

During excessive barking, you must try to identify what is the reason for this barking and find solutions. For example, during the defense of the territory, we will avoid leaving the dog behind the garden gate or encouraging him to bark by shouting ourselves. During a lack of activity, we will multiply physical exercises and exploration. But, as it can also be behavioral disorders such as anxiety, if barking other damage or other symptoms is added, it is necessary request advice to his veterinarian and sometimes even consult.

To avoid having a barking dog, education begins upon adoption. When you welcome the puppy home and leave it alone in a room or at home, it is not necessary especially not respond to the puppy’s vocal requests. Do not come back to him until he is calm and has been silent. Otherwise, the puppy will get into the habit of barking to call you even in your absence. (read the article on the crying and howling dog).

During education, there are certain rules to follow so as not to exacerbate the dog’s urge to use his voice. Without even realizing it, you develop barking in your dog. Indeed, by shouting at him to shut up, we can give the dog the impression that we are barking with him, which reinforces his behavior.

To teach the dog not to bark, it is therefore necessary to give a short and sharp command like “STOP” or “CHUT”. If this is not enough, we can initially act to physically stop the barking by closing the mouth with the hand gently. You can also create a diversion to redirect the dog’s attention, for example by throwing a can filled with coins or the like nearby. This diversion or the stopping of the sequence will always be accompanied by the “STOP” command which in the end will suffice. It is also preferable at the beginning to call the dog to oneself and put him in the basket to cut the sequence. Remember to congratulate them when they adopt the right behavior.

When barking with excitement or if the dog asks for your attention, just ignore it. Turn your back on him, go to another room and come back to him once he’s calmed down.

You can also get your dog used to a sound or a situation that makes him bark, by y desensitizing. The principle is to reduce the stimulus that triggers the barking, such as doorbells or the sound of someone at the door, and to order silence if the dog reacts. Gradually, the intensity and frequency are increased until the dog no longer pays attention to it and loses interest in it.

Et the bark collar? All necklaces aim to create an instant diversion when the dog barks and thus stop it in action. The electric collars produce an electric shock therefore a physical sanction. This type of collar is not recommended for dogs with anxiety as it may make it worse. The citronella bark collar is milder. It has the advantage of helping you know if the dog has barked a lot in your absence, as it will leave a scent in the house. We can assess the development of his dog and there is no physical punishment. Each necklace has its advantages and disadvantages, but the most recommended currently is without doubt the one with lemongrass. Some studies show that they are more effective if the problem is recent.

The management of barking in dogs begins as soon as they arrive home. Above all, care should be taken not to incite your dog to bark in spite of yourself. Desensitization, the “stop” or “hush” order, the reward for good behavior, distraction are all methods that make it possible to stop or reduce barking. However, keep in mind that this is a natural means of communication and that the dog will always bark a little …