How to Stop Excessive Dog Barking?

If your dog is barking excessively, it can pose some serious issues. Not only is it very hard for the owners of the barking dog to deal with, but it is a nuisance to everyone else around. For many people who don't know your dog, it can also be very frightening. In certain situations, there is not much we can do about barking as dogs will be dogs, and this is a natural behavior. Still, if your dog is barking excessively and you feel like you have no control over the situation, it is time to take action. In this article, we go through the steps to stop excessive dog barking so you and your pup can live a happier lifestyle together.

#1 - Identify the Cause of the Barking

The first step to controlling your dog's barking is understanding why they are barking. You can check out this article to understand the different bark types and what they mean. Some causes of excessive barking are loneliness, boredom, anxiety, fear, or possibly even medical issues. Once you rule out health concerns being the issue for your dog barking and understand the reason behind the barking, you can adjust your approach to the situation to achieve the best results. 

#2 - Basic Training

Training your dog needs to begin from as early of an age as possible. This isn't to say that older dogs can't learn new tricks, but it will be much easier when they are young. Teaching your dog commands like 'quiet' or 'enough', or any word that signifies that they should stop barking should be one of the first things you teach your pup. You will want to use positive reinforcement to teach your dog to stop barking on command, and it should be practiced enough that you will not need to raise your voice or require punishing your dog. 

#3 - Mental and Physical Stimulation

Providing your dog with regular exercise for both their minds and bodies is essential to stop excessive barking. Bringing your dog to the dog park is an excellent option, as it will simultaneously stimulate your dog mentally and physically. As we like to say, "A tired dog is a good dog," and this saying is especially true when it comes to barking. Take your dog out in the morning for a good exercise session, and you will immediately notice an improvement in their excessive barking for the remainder of the day.

#4 - Routine

Dogs thrive on routine, and constant change can lead to excessive barking. If your dog does not seem stable, try to make sure that your dog knows exactly what to expect from their day. This stability will surely reduce your dog's anxiety and result in them barking less. Barking is a reaction to something, and in many cases, it is a reaction to your dog feeling stressed and anxious.

#5 - Professional Help

Suppose you have done everything in your power to stop your dog from barking excessively but are still not seeing any results. In that case, it might be time to seek professional help. Experienced dog trainers and dog obedience experts will be able to assess the problem and provide a solution. Whether you are a rookie dog owner or have five dogs at home, there is no shame in seeking professional help when it comes to your dog's well-being. At the end of the day, stopping your dog from barking excessively will create a happier environment for both you and your dog, so do not be afraid to take any necessary steps to achieve that.