Barking – we love it and we hate it. We love the feeling when our dog lets us know there’s someone at the door, and we love the feeling we get when we see our dogs running and playing while belting out the latest pop tune via assorted woofs. However, most of us do not like unwanted barking, and it can be a major source of stress and concern for those living with their dogs in close quarters.Barking is your dog’s way of communicating. While most of us feel we have a handle on what our dogs are telling us, it can sometimes be difficult to decipher. One of my dogs barks when she’s happy, when she sees a squirrel or when she’s playing. One of my dogs barks only when the others start the chorus, and dog number three is an alarm barker. If he barks, I always go to check out the situation. He never cries wolf.
How do we decide when enough is enough? Perhaps it depends on the circumstance, or perhaps it depends on our mood. Sometimes we allow our dogs to bark at the door because it doesn’t bother us at that moment, and sometimes we lash out at them for the
same behaviour.
Many clients say they don’t mind a few barks, but then they want their dog to stop. The problem is that if you don’t stop your dog after the allotted number of barks, your dog will have no idea how to follow the plan. You need to decide on the number of barks, then interrupt the dog after he’s reached that number. I think this plan would be next to impossible for most people.
IN THE GARDEN
Consistency is the key to curbing the barking. Make a plan and stick to it. If your dog continues to bark outside, bring him inside immediately. While that sounds like a cop-out, it will stop the action and show the dog that barking will not be tolerated. For some dogs, having to come in will be enough and they’ll soon learn that if they bark, the outdoor fun will stop.
For others, barking outside means they want to come back in. Those dogs need guidance. You need to spend time tiring such a dog out before using the backyard as a place for him to spend time. Give him a favourite stuffed chew toy that’s reserved for outdoors (make sure it’s safe) to help him understand that outside is a good place to chill. Let him in before he kicks up a fuss, which initially may be just a couple of minutes.
Once you’ve convinced him that barking will not open the door, but quietly waiting will have you coming out to give him some attention, you can slowly increase the time he must wait. Of course, the backyard shouldn’t be used as a babysitter or exercise arena. Your dog should be part of the family, which includes time inside with you, and brisk walks or park time daily.
AT THE DOOR
Alarm barking at the door can be one of the most annoying traits, and is one that many of our clients have high up on their list of things to work on with their dogs. You may think that a sharp “No” will stop your dog from racing to the door to greet your guests, but that might not be the best long-term plan. With enough of an aversive, anyone can stop a dog from doing something in the moment.
The problem is that once the behaviour starts to escalate – and it will – the aversive will need to escalate and will often erupt into a yelling match, interspersed with barking. This is no fun for anyone, and will not work.
Instead, mark out a reinforcement zone in your home. This can be a mat fairly close to the door, or a landing area in your hallway.
Start by tossing treats into that area randomly. It won’t be long before you notice your dog starting to head into that area on his own, waiting for something fabulous to happen. Once he is doing this on his own, you can name it “place.” Start to use the term when he is in his place, and toss the treat. Progress to sending him there from different areas inside your home, still tossing a small treat.
Progress to having someone ring the bell or knock on the door. As soon as you hear the bell, tell your dog to go to his place. You may have to show him a couple of times initially, as the bell will be the ultimate distraction for him.
Once he gets the idea, the bell (or knock) will start to become the signal for him, and you will find you may not even have to call out “Place,” as he will already be there, waiting.
You can start to delay tossing the treat to increase the amount of time he has to stay in his place. This will help him understand that if he waits there long enough, something tasty should come his way. Over time, start to wean off the treats by random reinforcement, but to keep this behaviour strong, toss the occasional cookie (a few times a month) into the reinforcement zone.
FOR ATTENTION
Barking for attention is another big annoyance. The best way to eradicate this is to not pay attention to your dog when he is insistent. Turn your back and let him bark away. It won’t take long for him to figure out that barking won’t work. You do have to make sure you acknowledge him when he’s not barking, so be prepared to give him lots of love and pats when he’s quiet and not soliciting your attention. This can be difficult, as he may bark more before he gets the idea that this is not working for him. His insistence will become trying, but hang in there. Telling him to be quiet is giving him attention and you will be playing a losing game. If you ignore him, very soon you will see him lying nicely at your feet, not being
a pest.
Remember to let your dog enjoy a bit of barking when he’s out playing with a couple of his friends, as long as he doesn’t go overboard. Hearing a dog bark out of sheer joy will bring a smile to your face, and it reminds us why we love our dogs.