What To Do About Problem Barking
Q: After I leave my apartment my dog Snickers won't stop barking. My neighbors have complained about it multiple times and I don't know what to do.
A: This is most likely a case of boredom barking. When your dog is left alone a lot, it's important that he is given some exercise before you leave the apartment. You want to make sure your dog gets 20 to 30 minutes of exercise every morning before you leave. Another strategy to add after the walk is a stuffed Kong with peanut butter or cheese. A Kong can also be filled with treats and if you add water and freeze it, it will entertain your dog for longer periods of time. It takes a while for them to get the frozen treats out of the Kong. Dogs love this.
Q: My dog Sadie always barks whenever I have food, whether it's dog food or my lunch. The only way I can get her to calm down is to give her a little piece of whatever she wants. How do I get her to stop?
A: Sadie seems to have gotten used to being rewarded for her barking. This is a case of learned barking. So we need to teach Sadie that barking will no longer get her what she wants. When Sadie starts to bark, you must ignore her. Do whatever you have to do for however long it takes; wear earplugs, walk out of the room, and wait until she voluntarily becomes quiet. Once she does stop barking, reward her with a treat or praise or both. The slightest response from the owner, such as making eye contact, touching or talking to Sadie while she is barking will only encourage more barking and it will never go away.
Q: Whenever I walk Trixie she constantly barks at other dogs. Now I'm always afraid to walk her because there's always some sort of confrontation. How do I distract her from the other dogs?
A: When a dog is barking at another dog, this is an example of a fearful barker. Be careful you do not want your dog's fear to turn into aggression. It is important for the owner to understand that when fearful dogs bark, the problem is not the bark, it is the symptom. The problem is the dog is fearful and Trixie should not be reprimanded. When you are walking Trixie and she begins barking at another dog, turn around and walk in the opposite direction. It is too much for Trixie to be that close to another dog. Take her far enough away so that she stops barking but can see the other dog. Put her on a "sit" and start working on having Trixie focus on you with treats. Remember food overcomes fear, so reward Trixie's good behavior of not barking with treats. As she learns to keep her focus on you, slowly move her closer to other dogs while working with treats. This is a slow process that takes some time. Do not praise or touch a fear barker as this may only encourage their barking.
Information provided by Jeanette Trotman from Paws Down Dog Training and Pet Services, (949) 305-2838.