How to Stop a Dog From Barking: Figuring Out Why Your Dog is Barking

By Tara Tisdale

You might be wondering how to stop a dog from barking because you think that barking is a nuisance. In some cases, it probably is an irritant. The constant sound of a barking dog can really get one your nerves after awhile. It is similar to hearing a baby cry for hours on end!

However, barking is not always a bad thing. Barking is a dog version of what we consider to be talking. Just as humans communication through talking, a dog barks to communicate something to the people it loves.

Then why do dogs bark? Are they trying to tell us something?

First, the barking can be caused simply by the breed of the dog. As an example, Beagles are very prone to howling and barking as they were bred as hunting dogs. Some other breeds are the same.

It is possible that the dog may be perceiving something as a threat. It can be as simple as someone walking down the road and the dog can think that is a threat. If they perceive a threat, they want to tell someone about it.

Other times, dogs bark because they are bored, lonely, hungry or they need to go outside. Remember, they are talking to you in their own language.

Sometimes dogs are barking for inappropriate reasons that do become a hassle. You cannot just ignore that kind of problem and hope it will stop on its own. This is when dog training becomes a necessity.

There are numerous ways that you can stop a dog that barks too much. You might want to spray the dog in the face using a squirt bottle to startle it. You could also purchase a citronella collar or a bark collar that gives the dog a small, but safe, zap when they bark. There are other methods you can learn at home using a dog training course. This is often a cheaper and more pleasant way to go. - 29895

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