A dog trainer has revealed there’s a reason your animal won’t stop barking and pestering you – and regrettably, it comes down to your actions. The positive news, however, is you can stop it from occurring.
Holly, an assistant dog trainer who works alongside Will Atherton, explained the reasons why “you’re teaching your dog to bark,” though it’s a behaviour that can be unlearned by your pet. If you acknowledge your dog when they’re barking, whether it’s by looking at them or communicating, then you’re giving them that attention. This means your dog is receiving precisely what they want from the situation – for you to engage with them.
“From your dog’s point of view, barking just did something useful,” because regardless of how you responded, they gained some degree of attention they wouldn’t necessarily have received if they hadn’t barked.
Most owners also “don’t interrupt it early enough,” and they “let the dog rehearse barking over and over”.
Eventually, the barking “becomes a habit,” and your dog has simply completely forgotten why they were even barking initially.
“Dogs are smart and will always repeat what works, especially when they get to practice it every single day,” Holly explained.
She noted if you want “barking to improve,” then you simply need to “stop rewarding it,” which means ignoring them while they’re doing it and not even offering them a negative response.
“Interrupt it calmly and early, and start teaching them the behaviour you actually want instead,” Holly advised.
In the comments section, numerous people questioned how you can actually stop your dog from barking, as it appears to be far more challenging than it sounds in practice.
According to the RSPCA, it is possible to curb excessive barking in dogs. They stated: “Dogs are intelligent, active and social animals, so they need lots of exercise, things to do and company to keep them happy and healthy. If your dog is bored, they might spend more time barking.”
Create a solid routine for your dog, as barking may be their way of communicating desires such as wanting to play, requesting food or seeking attention.
Ensure you establish a daily schedule for your dog that incorporates feeding times alongside play and exercise, ideally at consistent times each day.
A well-structured routine can help your dog anticipate which activities will occur and when. This could prevent them from barking for things at inappropriate times.
Studies also show that eight out of 10 dogs suffer from stress when left by themselves and may show it through barking. Explore methods to help your dog feel more settled and at ease when alone, such as providing a special toy, employing a dog-sitting service or seeking guidance from a specialist.
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Understanding the root cause of persistent barking is vital, and consulting an expert can help you identify what’s triggering the behaviour.
They’ll also be able to direct you towards appropriate support. They advise that, should you require extra help, seeking out a qualified animal behaviourist is strongly recommended.