What is the best way to stop a dog from barking in the house all the time?

Question

It's a German Sheppard,

It's a older dog and I do walk it almost every day, Has another dog to play with, It's a great dog. It' just barks when someone comes next to me. I tried the water bottle and shaking a can with marbles she still barks. Does not bark outside. Don't want to use shock caller it can change the dogs temperment.

Answer 1

What is the reason your dog is barking all the time? There could be something medically wrong with your dog. More than likely, your dog barks all the time because he/she is bored and lonely. German Sheps are very smart dogs, and without enough stimulation (mental) they can become bored and act out. The barking could lead into him destroying your furniture. I would suggest taking him on a couple of long walks a day. Many people assume that because they have a big backyard that is fenced in, they can just let their dogs out there and all is fine. But the backyard becomes familar to them and they are not forced to move a lot like they would be on a walk. Dog obiedience classes are also a good idea, since learning how to behave will really work your dog's brain. Also try getting some new toys or even another dog to keep him company (make sure you get them both fixed!!) if you are gone a lot during the day. I think though, with the long walks and new toys, plus a little training, you will have a great dog that is much quieter.

Answer 2

I have a sheagle (shepherd beagle cross)
I used to rent a house, and he would bark sometimes when I left him, but it wasn't a big deal, there was noone around to be bothered. I have since bought a condo, and he barked up a storm as he was getting used to the move, my concern was the association was going to ask me to get rid of him (never gonna happen!) I did research and got a corrective collar. It is a training device, not a torture device (as some people might suggest) It emits a signal when he barks, if he barks again right away it emits a stronger signal, if he doesn't it resets to the lowest level. It trains him that if he continues to bark the signal will be stronger, if he doesn't it won't. He wore it for maybe 6 months or so and hasn't needed it since, I've been in my condo for 1 1/2 yrs now. His personality hasn't changed in the least, if anything he is more relaxed, but still my playful goofy 15 year old boy (so much for teaching an old dog new tricks huh?) Good luck with your dog!

Answer 3

The dog got the message from it's humans that it was ok to bark when someone approached. You need to do some research on dog behaviours before you have a dog, the same with any other animal.

A HUMAN CAN NEVER GET AN ANIMAL TO COMMUNICATE LIKE A HUMAN. Humans need to learn how their pets communicate in order to train them. This is what the best trainers around the world do.

Gee, and people say humans are the most intelligent of the animals... mmm.... I think humans are just more egotistical.

Answer 4

Animals should be taught the same way we teach our children, with love. Positive reinforcement is the method most experts suggest. Use one word or short phrase and say it every time the dog barks a lot. It's important you use the same phrase. When the dog stops barking, give him or her a treat or praise, whatever works. It is important to do this consistently, I use the term No
speak to my little poodle. She understands what I am saying and most of the time she stops. It depends on why they are barking. Raising animals takes a lot of time and patience and they should never be mistreated especially for doing what comes natural to them.
I know it is frustrating and time consuming but that comes with the responsibility of owning a pet.
Good Luck

Answer 5

I recently saw this on TV. Someone was training a dog not to bark. They had a special collar that whenever the dog would bark it would shoot out Citronella. Yes thats the stuff that keeps bugs away. Apparently dogs don't like it any better than the bugs do. It worked for them.

Answer 6

My dog barks in the house a lot too and I figured out its because he wants attention..the Vet told me not to hit him for trying to protect u or wanting attention He will bark when he gets jelous i just put him outside when he gets real rowdy with his barking and then i'll let him back in 20 mins later and keep doing that untill he gets the point.. ignore the barking and pet him when hes quiet and he'll learn that being quiet is the best way to get attention and not barking. they know when they bark thats when they get the most attention. Doggie's like being center of attention

Answer 7

A squirt bottle definentely works with German Shepards. I work with my town's Humane Society and have raised 13 German Shepards. I have also worked with othe dogs but German shepards. If you buy a squirt bottle he gets the idea of, "Oh if I don't want to be squirted, I should not do what I'm doing." I will take him a couple squirts to figure out it is the barking. Good luck with whatever you do.

Answer 8

I lived in an apartment building and my dog barked when I wasn't home. I had no choice but to get the bark collar and it worked wonders. They learn very quickly and it was no time at all that I could put the collar on without a battery in it and she wouldn't bark. It saved the sanity of my neighbors and gave me peace of mind. Good Luck.

Answer 9

A flyswatter! Dont hit your dog with the flyswatter just hit the floor in front of him and say no! He is either excited or happy or a host of many other things but dont take it out on him. The fly swatter just gets his attention long enough for him to hear to hear you over what he is trying to say. This only applies if he isnt hungry needs to go out or something of that sort. It's not threatening it;s just an attention getter. If all else fails a bark collar. Also, If you have a radio fence in your yard make sure thats not zapping him and you dont know it. I know someone that that happened to their dog.

Answer 10

Get a bark collar and turn it all the way up but only put it on in the house...make sure to test it out to see if its enough...that big of a dog may need some corrective trainin...flick it in the nose when he does it that is the easiest thing to do..