It's obvious that the collective voices of many dogs are more disruptive than one or two; that's a people problem, not the animals' issue. Other frequent barkers may benefit from medication to relieve anxiety. But for most, smart stewardship is all that's needed. Here are tips from preeminent dog trainer Pat Miller. Got a talkative cat? Click here.
5 Things To Do When Your Dog Barks
(Without Cutting Her Vocal Cords)
By Pat Miller, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA
One of the things people may say in defense of devocalization or "bark softening" is that their dog is a "nuisance barker" and their only choices are to have vocal cords cut or get rid of the dog. Simply not true; even so-called "barky" breeds can be managed humanely.
Cutting vocal cords is lazy and does nothing to address the underlying cause of the barking: boredom, stress, arousal, fear, pain, anxiety and more.
And not addressing the underlying trigger begs the dog to express her needs in other ways, such as biting, destructive behavior or house-soiling.
Here are five good choices for managing barking:
Cutting vocal cords is lazy and does nothing to address the underlying cause of the barking: boredom, stress, arousal, fear, pain, anxiety and more.
And not addressing the underlying trigger begs the dog to express her needs in other ways, such as biting, destructive behavior or house-soiling.
Here are five good choices for managing barking:
1. Bring your dog indoors. Outdoor barkers are overstimulated by the environment. Alternatively or additionally, they could be bored and lonely. Bring them indoors (which is where our canine companions belong anyway).
2. Give your dog more exercise. Most dogs in our culture are under-exercised. Real exercise is “run until you drop to the ground, tongue hanging out in a happy pant” exercise. Several times a day if necessary. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog. A tired dog is far less likely to bark.
3. Manage your dog’s environment. If she’s barking at passersby outside your front window, block her access to the room with the front windows. Or cover the windows so she can’t see out. If she’s barking at sounds she hears, play white noise (a radio, television, white noise machine or calming music from Through a Dog’s Ear) to cover up the sounds.
4. Find a day care solution for your dog. If your apartment-dwelling neighbors complain that your dog barks all day when you’re not home, don’t leave her there. Well-run commercial doggie daycare centers are becoming more and more common. Or utilize the services of a friend, family member, or someone you advertise for who is home during the day and would enjoy the company of your furry family member.
2. Give your dog more exercise. Most dogs in our culture are under-exercised. Real exercise is “run until you drop to the ground, tongue hanging out in a happy pant” exercise. Several times a day if necessary. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog. A tired dog is far less likely to bark.
3. Manage your dog’s environment. If she’s barking at passersby outside your front window, block her access to the room with the front windows. Or cover the windows so she can’t see out. If she’s barking at sounds she hears, play white noise (a radio, television, white noise machine or calming music from Through a Dog’s Ear) to cover up the sounds.
4. Find a day care solution for your dog. If your apartment-dwelling neighbors complain that your dog barks all day when you’re not home, don’t leave her there. Well-run commercial doggie daycare centers are becoming more and more common. Or utilize the services of a friend, family member, or someone you advertise for who is home during the day and would enjoy the company of your furry family member.
5. Teach your dog a positive interrupt. If the barking happens when you’re home, teach her that a cheerful “Over here!” means good stuff is coming, by repeatedly saying “Over here!” and feeding her a tidbit of chicken or other treat. When she starts to bark, say “Over here!” (and have the treat ready). Presto! Be sure to say “Quiet – thank you!” when she stops barking. If your dog appears to bark at something and then look to you for a treat, blocking her visual access to the thing that makes her bark might be a better choice.
These things work best if you're consistent! If unwanted barking persists, seek the advice of a certified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist.
The humane "last resort" is rehoming. Making your best friend undergo surgery to change her voice should never be an option. It is unconscionable and counterproductive. Just don’t.
These things work best if you're consistent! If unwanted barking persists, seek the advice of a certified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist.
The humane "last resort" is rehoming. Making your best friend undergo surgery to change her voice should never be an option. It is unconscionable and counterproductive. Just don’t.
Nationally recognized dog trainer and author Pat Miller is a member of the Board of Directors, Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, and past president of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. She owns and operates Peaceable Paws in Fairplay, Maryland, providing dog training and animal behavior consultation services, classes and seminars to individuals and animal protection organizations: www.peaceablepaws.com
Page Copyright © 2014 Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets. All Rights Reserved.
Article Copyright © 2014 Pat Miller.
