Q&A for How to Get Dogs to Stop Barking

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  • Question
    How do I get my dog to stop barking at strangers?
    Jaimie Scott
    Dog Owner Trainer
    Jaimie Scott has been training dog owners as the Owner of Jaimie Scott Dog Training in Sacramento, California for the past 15 years. Jaimie meets clients for 1-on-1 training, group classes (owners only, no dogs), as well as live video classes. Jaimie has published videos, blog articles, and eBooks to share tips for training and his personalized insight into dog behavior. With a focus on training the owners, Jaimie believes that dogs need to know who’s in control at any given time in order to feel secure and be happy. Jaimie holds a BS in Mathematics and Computer Science from Pacific University.
    Dog Owner Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Wait until your dog has stopped barking since reacting to the barking in any way will only reinforce the behavior. Once your dog is calm, give it a command, like "quiet." If your dog continues to stay quiet, give it praise and a treat as a reward.
  • Question
    Who do you call to complain about a barking dog?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    This varies state to state. Always start out by discussing the nuisance with the owner. If they fail to take action, then contact the Animal Control office in your municipality or state. They may ask you to fill out a Barking Dog Log, which is then used to determine if the problem is sufficient to warrant a nuisance order.
  • Question
    Do ultrasonic bark control devices work?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    The idea is that a burst of ultrasonic noise is unpleasant. The dog links the unpleasant experience to barking, and stops woofing. However, many dogs learn to ignore the unpleasantness and carry on barking anyway. Ultrasonic anti-barkers also tend not to work in older dogs, who have a more limited hearing range due to their age.
  • Question
    How do I get my dog to stop barking in the car?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Work out why the dog is barking: is he anxious, over-excited, or territorial? Address the underlying issue, such as crate training an anxious dog and transporting them in that in the car. Over-excited dogs often associate the car with a trip to the dog park. Some boring time in a stationary car can help this. Also resist the urge to shout at the dog to quiet. This encourages, rather than discourages the dog.
  • Question
    How can I make my neighbor's dog stop barking?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Never try to stop a neighbor's dog barking. The dog is your neighbor's property, and therefore they must take responsibility. Discuss the problem with them. If they fail to act, then you are within your rights to complain to the Animal Control office (as per your municipality or state).
  • Question
    My dog gets too excited once he starts barking to notice anything else. Even if I'm holding a treat, he's more interested in whatever he's barking at. What can I do to stop this?
    Community Answer
    Turn him away from whatever he's barking at and say, "no," firmly but gently. Tell him to sit and give him a treat.
  • Question
    What if I must put a barking dog outside to protect our new rescue dog?
    Community Answer
    Let them get familiar with each other first. Just make sure the barking dog is on a leash so it can not bite or harm the rescue dog.
  • Question
    How do I make sure that my dog understands that the treat is for not barking?
    Community Answer
    Wait for the dog to stop barking before giving him the treat. If barking is constant, say "no," and give a slight tap on the bottom.
  • Question
    How can I get my dog to stop barking at a visitor to my home that has been there several times?
    I Read Books About Animals
    Top Answerer
    Every time the person comes over, give the person some treats to give to the dog.
  • Question
    When my dog hears a squirrel on my fence he leaps, runs and barks at the it. How can I get him to stop when I say quiet?
    Community Answer
    If your dog likes treats you could try to get his attention with them. If that doesn't work, try giving him something he is rally interested in to distract him from the squirrels.
  • Question
    How do we stop our dog from barking when we go out?
    Community Answer
    Your dog probably has separation anxiety, as you must have noticed by now. When you have time, try training your dog by leaving the house for short periods of time (e.g., 2-4 min) and then gradually increasing the time. Eventually your dog will realize that every time you leave, you will always return.
  • Question
    My dog has an dog enemy and every time the dog walks by, she goes wild! What can I do?
    I Read Books About Animals
    Top Answerer
    Be very stern with your dog and jerk it away. Keep doors or curtains closed around the time the enemy dog walks by. Consider talking to the enemy dog's owner to see if they can change their walking route.
  • Question
    I have started to train my dog, but I don't have time to be with him all day and my neighbors are complaining. Is it normal that my dog barks in the morning even if he doesn't need anything?
    Community Answer
    Sounds like the dog has separation anxiety and barks when you leave him alone. If you don't have a lot of time to train your dog, consider putting him in a professional training program and/or a doggie daycare program.
  • Question
    I have a Chihuahua that barks a lot, and I have been considering getting an English Shepherd puppy. Will another dog pick up my Chihuahua's barking habits?
    Community Answer
    Shepherds are inveterate barkers, I wouldn’t consider a herding dog at all.
  • Question
    How do I get my puppy to stop barking in her crate?
    Community Answer
    Make sure that you do not let her out, even when the barking starts getting annoying. When she settles down, you can let her out or give her a treat. She may eventually get the idea that you like it when she is quiet in her crate. Also, make sure that there isn't something she is afraid of in there, or put the crate somewhere where she can see you.
  • Question
    My dog barks when he wants food, even though I fed him already. How can I get him to stop barking?
    Community Answer
    If you're sure that he's barking because he wants food and not for another reason (he wants to go outside, wants a walk or treat, etc.), then as mentioned above, just ignore the dog by reading a book or newspaper.
  • Question
    My dog Tia never shuts up when I try to sleep at her house. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    Does your dog Tia sleep outside? If so, bring him/her in. Outside there are many thing that will make the dog want to bark. If the dog sleeps inside, there are devices that create an irritating sound when the dog barks. You can purchase this online, or in a pet store.
  • Question
    What do I do if my puppy barks when I put it in its crate?
    Community Answer
    All puppies are expected to bark and whine at first when they get put in a crate, make sure that the crate is welcoming for the puppy like toys and a blanket. Try talking gently to the puppy if that doesn't work and try getting something like a Kong and fill it up with peanut butter or treats to place in the puppy's crate. And when it is time to put your puppy in the crate, he will be more distracted by the Kong or trying to lick out the peanut butter. So that way, he doesn't bark. And also, if you put your puppy in the crate at night, then consider placing his crate next to your bed or close to you so he knows you are nearby and feel comforted.
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