Excessive barking from your puppy can be very irritating not just for you, but for your neighbors as well. You can’t get rid of your fur-baby’s barking entirely as it’s a natural part of canine communication. However, there are ways to decrease the amount of times your puppy barks at home or in public. Using […]
Excessive barking from your puppy can be very irritating not just for you, but for your neighbors as well. You can’t get rid of your fur-baby’s barking entirely as it’s a natural part of canine communication. However, there are ways to decrease the amount of times your puppy barks at home or in public.
Using the following tips, you can understand the root cause of your puppy’s barking and learn how to control it.
Barking is the way most puppies and dogs communicate with each other—and with you!
It can mean different things depending on the situation. Most of the time, it means your puppy is trying to tell you something about them or what’s happening outside. Think of it as an alarm of sorts that can help keep you alert. Before you attempt to eliminate your puppy’s barking, try to find out why they might be barking in the first place.
Once you’ve determined the main causes for your puppy’s excessive barking, it’s time for training! Setting up appropriate rules and methods is an important step to effective training as long as you remember to keep it consistent. If you react differently every time your puppy barks, it will confuse them. Make sure you respond with the same behavior to their barking, and have other members of your family do the same.
Shouting or yelling when your puppy barks can alleviate your frustration at the moment, but all it does is further confuse them. They may think you’re joining their barking and bark even louder. Instead, speak to your puppy in a firm and calm voice. Use similar body language and tone to let your puppy know you’re being serious.
We understand how tempting it is to run towards your barking puppy when you come home but in doing so, you send the wrong message by rewarding this behavior. Instead, thank your puppy, then say in a firm voice, “hush.” Whenever your fur-baby stops barking, praise the behavior and give them a treat. Do not praise them or give them treats when they resume barking. Leave the room, if you can. This lets your puppy know that barking will not earn them anything. They will learn to keep quiet if they want you to stay with them.
Puppies and dogs usually bark or whine out of excitement when they hear a knock or a doorbell ring. They may feel a threat is at the door, which causes their barking. To help alleviate your puppy’s fears, have a friend or relative stage an arrival at the door with treats or toys in their hands. That way, your furry cutie will associate door sounds with positive experiences, decreasing their barking.
Sometimes, puppies get bored and lonely. They may chew up furniture, poke their nose in trash, or bark until your eardrums have had enough. If your puppy is bored, give them chewable puzzle toy that keeps them entertained for hours, like a Kong toy. You can also try exercising with them or visit the dog park to use up their pent-up energy. Check out our blog, Is Your Puppy Bored? for more tips on helping your puppy’s boredom.
Each puppy is different so some of these training tips may take lots of time and effort. Puppies are generally smart and will learn with enough patience and consistency. Read our blog, Essential Commands to Teach Your Puppy for other important commands your puppy will need.
