Tips for How to Stop Your Dog's Barking

Your dog's barking is driving you mad? I don't doubt it. It would drive me crazy, too. And it has.

But there is a solution. It's YOU!

Not what you thought I'd say? Dogs don't bark to hear their own voices. Even if they quite enjoy them. They bark for a reason. Like we yell for a reason. Fingers crossed that you can figure out the cause and the cause can be removed. If it's as easy as that, outstanding.

Sadly. Irritatingly. That is typically not the case. The barking motivations can be simple or complex:

• Separation anxiety. Who wouldn't want to be with you every second of the day? Fear of fireworks or thunderstorms is another. They can be loud and scary, you know!
• Trying to get your attention. Wants to play with you. Right NOW not later.
• Warning people that they shouldn't come around. It's their territory. Don't enter it, strangers. Or letting you know there is someone at the door. They'll protect you. Don't worry about it, human.

And the list goes on... Be a detective. Keep a log if you need to. What is your dog barking at? When is your dog barking? And where is your dog barking?

You have to figure out why, when and where, then the training begins. And training is involved no matter why your dog is yapping your ear off. (Unless you were one of those lucky owners and able to remove the cause.)

Exercise Mentally & Physically. Big dogs, little dogs. Doesn't matter. They need exercise, mentally and physically. Pent up energy & boredom are a BIG cause behind barking. Play fetch, take walks. Everyday. Twice a day. More if you need to. A tired dog is a happy dog and owner.

Do Something Else, Dog. Teach your dog to do something else. Something that can't be done while barking. Instead of saying, "Stop barking," tell your dog to go to their bed. Dog goes to bed and stops barking, then dog gets a treat. Dogs love treats.

Reward the Right Behavior. When your dog stops barking, your dog gets a reward. Not the other way around. Treat does not get behavior. Behavior gets treat. Live by this rule for all dog training.

Be Patient & Allow Time to Learn. Most dogs won't learn the first time around. In fact, count on your dog making you work for that good behavior from him. Show patience as most dogs need two weeks or more to figure a new skill or behavior. It's like any habit. It's got to be broken, then a new one put into its place.

Be Consistent. Once you choose a training tool or method, don't waver. Don't let that adorable puppy face sway you from sticking to your guns. Be consistent and make sure your WHOLE family is, too. Dogs test limits and they will take advantage of the weak. I promise you that!

Ask for Help. Having someone to express your frustration to along with getting tips and advice will help your struggle. Don't discount that friend whose dog was formerly a barker. Or they may know someone who can steer you in the right direction.

Credit: Corrinne D

4 Tips to Leash Training Your Dog

It is not going to be easy to get your dog to take the leash. After all, your pet does realize that somewhere it's a clamping down on his freedom. Your dog will resist, in ways you've never imagined, posing major risks to oneself.

Patience is the key here. It is a lot easier to train a puppy to use the leash than an adult dog. Nevertheless, these are a few tips you could use.

1. Choose the right collar and leash

They might all look the same, but there's one for every type of dog. A flat, lightweight nylon collar and leash works the best for pups. You can always upgrade later. The collar should not be too loose and neither too tight. What's the right size? You should be able to insert too fingers beneath the collar, easily.

2. Introduce him to the collar and leash

Now that you've picked the right collar, you've got to get him to wear it. Gently slip it around his neck while playing or when eating. The point is to have a few distractions around to divert the mind from the new item. Despite this, if he notices the collar and tries hard to remove it, distract him by bringing out a favorite toy or offering some treats.

After your furry companion has familiarized himself with the collar, attach the leash. However, don't tug at the end. The tension might cause him to have a temper tantrum or refuse. Let him play with the loose end. Make sure you always supervise your pet if he is running lose with the leash on to avoid entanglements.

When you start out, don't expect to wear your pet to wear the collar and leash for long. Always try to associate the collar and leash with something positive.

3. Praise and reward

For every time, your dog obeys your command reward him with a treat. This kind of positive reinforcement will really ease the leash training process. You can offer treats when he walks at heel, when he does not lunge or when he does not pull at the collar. Keep the treats small as too much food could also be a major distraction. Hold the treat at a reachable level so that your puppy or dog is not jumping for it.

4. Call him to come

While playing with your dog, lift the leash and gently tug at it, while commanding him to come to you. You can hold the end of the leash and gently stand still or kneel down and pet him. You can use verbal cues to help your pet understand what's coming.

Once you have got him to come at your command, you can practise loose leash walking your dog with the leash on. Get him to walk by your side slowly. Stop after a few steps, get him to sit and give him a reward. You can gradually cut back on the rewards, like giving him a reward after every second stop.

It's now time to take your dog out; first your backyard and garden and then the public park. If your dog tries to lunge or pull, stop to indicate that the behavior is unapproved of.

Different dogs react differently to the whole process, with some accepting it easily and others giving it a real tough battle. Just stick it out for a while and your pet will gradually obey you. If all doesn't work, you can enlist the help of a professional dog trainer.

Credit: Jovia A. D'Souza