Puppy Care

Dogs bark for several reasons. Your dog may begin to bark when a stranger approaches or if your house is on fire. A dog will also bark if he is pain or scared. A dog may bark to intimidate you or your family members, or as a way to get your attention.

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Whatever the reason, we all agree that it can be very annoying and look for ways to stop dogs barking. Some owners of dogs that constantly bark are reported for disturbing the peace. Happily, there are many ways to stop a dog from barking for no particular reason.

The best way to stop dogs barking is to train your dog when it is appropriate for him to bark. There are several options but the best technique is the proven reward/reprimand method. This technique is successful and humane.

As an alternative to this method of training, some dog owners choose to use an electronic collar, also known as a bark collar. The dog wears the collar, which is activated when the dog barks. When the bark collar gives off a small electronic shock, the dog is taken by surprise. Eventually, your dog will stop barking as he connects discomfort with his barking. It is my opinion that this is a cruel and inhumane method to stop dogs barking.

Not all dogs realize that the uncomfortable shock is directly related to their barking; electronic collars should not be used for this reason and many others. Some dogs are able to tolerate the shocks so the barking continues. Also, dogs with thick coats may not feel the electric shock if the prongs on the collar are not in touching the skin. Also, it is rare for barking to be stopped just by using an electronic collar. Usually, optimal results are obtained by including dog obedience training.

An electronic collar that is set to the correct shock level shouldn’t harm a dog, however many people believe that they can still be dispiriting to dogs. This is the reason why some people opt for citronella collars, which use a similar principle to electronic collars. Citronella collars produce a mist when dogs bark. Most dogs hate the smell. Over time, they will associate their barking with the unpleasant scent and will stop barking in order to avoid the smell. They are probably just about as successful as electronic collars.

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Although an electronic collar can be a useful training device, most dog trainers and vets think that it cannot replace good obedience training. Obedience training is effective for most dog behavior problems, not just dog barking. It also helps with other dog behavior issues.

The option of surgery to stop dogs barking is both drastic and barbaric in my opinion. A piece of tissue is removed from the larynx which prevents the dog from barking. It is not unheard of for the dog’s bark to return, voiding the surgery. Fortunately, the surgical approach to stop dogs barking is opposed by most vets.

In conclusion, I hope we have convinced you that obedience training is the best way to stop dogs barking. You should understand that if you use an electronic collar to stop your dog from barking, he will not let you know when a burglar is in the house. With the correct obedience training, your dog will protect your family but will also know when it is appropriate to bark.

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