Excessive Barking
- Excessive barking is often caused by boredom or anxiety. If your dog is barking when seperated from you please review the separation anxiety protocol.
- For boredom related barking, ensure your dog is getting adequate, daily exercise.
- Leave your dog with items to occupy them, such as chews and treat toys.
- If your dog is barking to get your attention ignore him until he is quiet. If you are unable to ignore your dog try a timeout, spray with a water bottle, or use a penny can to correct the barking. Always say quiet before correcting.
- When your dog seeks attention ask him to do an alternate behavior, such as sitting, to earn attention.
- Do not interact with the dog when he is barking.
- Try to catch your dog in the act of doing something positive (like playing with a toy or settling quietly on a bed) and reward this behavior with attention.
- Teach your dog quiet. When your dog starts barking say quiet, and show a treat. Wait until your dog is quiet for several seconds before rewarding. Once the command is learned, use the word quiet when your dog is barking excessively.