5 Steps to a Quiet Dog.....

How To Stop Dog Barking In 5 Easy Steps
By Connie Bareford

It is an obvious fact that dogs bark, but how much barking is considered excessive? People have different tolerances towards dog barking and often the dogs owner can build up a tolerance against it, however for the sake of your neighbors you should try to discover why your dog barks. Here's how you could accomplish this in just 5 easy steps.

Step 1
The first and most important step is to discover what is the "Trigger" for your four legged friend to start barking. Once you have discovered the trigger, where possible try to remove it. For example if your dog continually barks at birds feeding on a bird table, either move the table or limit access to the room where your dog can see this. If your dog always barks at something like the postman then where possible distract your dog with other training tips when your postman arrives.

This is important because finding the barking "trigger" is the only real way you will ever stop your dog from barking. In the event you skip or ignore this step, you will struggle ever to control and manage your dog barking problem. You are also allowing your dog to start to take control and become the pack leader.

Step 2
Try to stop your fury friend from getting bored. A bored dog often barks and can even start to do more destructive things like chewing and potentially causing serious amounts of damage. If you have to leave your dog for long times try to get a friend or neighbour to come in and entertain your dog for a while. This step can stop your dog barking purely because of bordem.

Step 3
Consider a dog walker or dog sitter. The reason behind this is to give your dog some attention and possibly some exercise. In addition to that, this will give your dog some companionship.

Step 4
Train alternative behavior at certain times. Using the scenario of the post man in step 1 or perhaps someone ringing your front door bell. You can try to train your dog to pick up a bone or favourite toy during these times. It is not an easy job, but a dog wont bark with something in its mouth.

Step 5
Be A little lenient to your pet. As all canines bark. We knew this when we invited a dog into our lives. In fact a dogs bark can be useful. As their sense of hearing and smell are far superior from humans then they can warn us about all sorts of things.

Finally, if you accept that your dog will always bark and you just try to limit the barking by following some of the tips mentioned you should be able to control your dog barking problem.

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