How to Stop Dog Barking - 4 Simple Tricks By Delia Saengwirun

Undoubtedly one of the more frustrating concerns for pet owners is a dog barking. Barking dogs not only disturb your own household, but often those of your neighbors as well. It can result in lack of sleep, which can eventually impact your performance at work and greatly annoy your family and others. Obsessive barking can also upset other pets and trigger other dogs in your neighborhood to begin barking as well. Obviously, it is important to stop dog barking as quickly as possible.

Although persistent or excessive barking is frequently associated with toy breeds and other small dogs, every size and breed of dog may become obsessive barkers. The key to stop dog barking is to understand what makes them bark in the first place.

Dogs vocalize for a variety of different reasons. Some of the more common causes of dog vocalization are:

• To get attention from their owner
• To notify their owner that someone is coming
• To let their owner know that they need to go outside and go potty
• When they hear other dogs in your neighborhood barking
• Boredom or lack of something constructive to do
• Separation Anxiety
• Loneliness

How to Stop Dog Barking

1. If your dog is warning you that someone is coming, immediately praise them after they initially start barking. If they continue, tell them, "No," or "Stop," and give them something else to do, such as their favorite toy or a chew toy.
2. Give your dog attention when they are calm and quiet. When they bark to try to get your attention, ignore them until they have calmed down. They will eventually start to connect their being quiet with the positive result of attention.
3. Make sure that your dog is getting enough exercise and that they are mentally engaged as well. Once you have taught them basic dog obedience training, you can move on to tricks and agility or other training to help keep their minds and bodies occupied with more constructive endeavors.
4. Never yell or hit your dog when they bark. If their barking stems from their desire for attention, they will even see hitting and yelling as attention, and that will make them bark more.

With the proper training techniques, a little patience, and a positive attitude, you will be able to stop dog barking in no time. This is good news for not only you and your family, but your neighbors as well.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com