How Can I Train My Dog To Behave?

Question

My dog barks too much when there's someone she doesnt know, how can i train him?

Answer 1

With few exceptions, all dogs bark. Barking is a natural behaviour and it is a way of communicating. While the messages can range from loneliness to hunger or playfulness, most often barking is used as an alarm or alert signal that indicates to the other pack members that a stranger or intruder is approaching

Most people have a feeling of security and comfort knowing their dogs are “on the job”. Some people even encourage their dogs to bark and growl when the doorbell rings or someone knocks. They feel this is acceptable behaviour, however, when the dogs become uncontrollable, with barking that is excessive, they become a nuisance. Life is miserable for neighbours who must listen day after day to barking dogs.
Excessive barking often begins in puppy-hood, when the pup who is not yet house-trained is unwisely shut behind closed doors. Improper confinement will definitely cause a barking problem, and dogs that are tied or tethered will eventually become frustrated and begin to bark to communicate their displeasure. We must always remember that dogs are pack animals. It is not natural or normal for them to be alone, however, millions of dogs must learn to cope confidently while members of the family go out daily to work.

Chewing, uncontrolled barking, house-training problems and destructive behaviour have put many dogs out of their homes, and all of this could be avoided if we simply communicated more effectively with our canine companions. They are part of a pack or family, similar in behaviour to their ancestors, the wolves. Wolves travel, hunt, sleep and eat in a group environment, therefore, we must modify this instinct. We must, in our human packs, make our dogs feel comfortable and secure about being alone in the “den” while the other pack members are away.

Because most barking takes place when you are away from home, you have no choice but to believe your neighbours when they complain.

Barking is actually quite common and not that difficult to rectify. Let us consider the encouraging owner who inadvertently praises and teaches his or her dog that its barking is the greatest thing, which makes the dog feel its owner is happy and pleased when he barks.

The easiest way to teach the dog to bark is command him to “speak”. So while the dog is barking at the door, the owner may use the command word “speak”. The dog will associate barking behaviour with this word. Now, your golden moment has arrived. You are going to teach your dog the word “quiet”, or “enough” or “shush” (your choice!). We do not teach the word “No”, because “No” means “Never, ever do that - ever".

When you command your dog to be “Quiet” and he keeps barking, you will have to teach him the meaning of the word “Quiet”. Hitting your dog or using other physical measure or mechanical or electronic aids are unkind and unnecessary. You may hold your dog’s muzzle closed (gently and kindly), or you may have to use a water pistol. Another method is to make a sudden sharp sound (rattle a pop can with some coins in it, or bang on a pot) to divert your dog’s attention from barking. When your dog has ceased to bark for at least three to five seconds, praise him in a quiet, calm voice, perhaps saying, “Good, quiet. Good!”. Avoid stroking, patting and hugging your dog at this point, as you may over-excite him again, and he may miss the point of the whole exercise.

Before you leave your dog alone, remember the following points:

Provide adequate exercise.

Leave the radio or television on.

Provide your dog with proper chewing material - rawhide, nylabones and Kong toys stuffed with yummy stuff are good (beware of using real animal bones - they can splinter).

Crate train your dog.

Unplug your phone.

Place a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door. This may prevent trades people from knocking or ringing the bell, which would set your dog off on a barking cycle.

Shut the shades or drapes so your dog cannot see outside.

Make your departures calm. Tone things down and be matter of fact. Over-emotional, guilt-ridden departures (and entrances) put your dog in a state of anxiety.

Answer 2

You seem a little confused about the sex of your dog - is it a "she" or a "him"?

It depends a lot on the breed. Toy dogs, herding dogs and terriers can be incredible barkers. If you're willing to do some work and are determined to train her, start by keeping her on a leash tied to your belt all the time. Teach her to sit and stay - at first when it's quiet, then add distractions. Make her sit before she gets fed or petted. Take control.

If the doorbell rings, she should be allowed to bark for about fifteen seconds or as long as it takes you to get to the door. Pick a new command - a word that she's not already immune to - like STOP! or ENOUGH! Every single bark after that command must be corrected. Don't hold her in your arms - that makes her feel like you've got her back and you approve. Put her little butt on the ground like a real dog. Make her sit and stay at the door - spinning around like a nut is not okay either. At first, do it when no one is there - let her see you knock on the door yourself. When she's being quiet that way, then add someone like another family member who will stay out there and practice until you get the dog to be quiet. This might take five minutes or it might take an hour. Don't give up before the dog stops barking.
Unless it's a toy dog, use a leash correction. Toy dogs are fragile, so rather than a leash tug, try a spray bottle of water in her face or a squirt of lemon juice in her mouth, or flick the end of her nose with your finger - find something she just hates. Use a correction word like "ATT!" and repeat your quiet command "STOP!" Ask you friends to come over and help you. They'll probably be delighted to help - they probably hate it as much as you do. Practice for at least fifteen minutes straight, every day for a month or two. Even the most determined yapper will eventually give up. Invite people over more often, so you can practice teaching her how to behave.

You should read some great books on training. (Try not to pick books randomly - there are a lot of bad books out there also!) These are some of my favorites and you can get them on Amazon.com
What All Good Dogs Should Know – Volhard http://www.volhard.com/
Good Owners, Great Dogs - Brian Kilcommins
Don't Shoot the Dog - Pryor
Training Your Dog: The Step by Step Method - Volhard
Dog Problems - Benjamin
Cesar's Way - Cesar Millan
Also, watch the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel. Cesar Millan is the best trainer I've ever seen on TV.
http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/

Answer 3

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://bitly.im/aL0vu

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 4

Well, what you do is teach your dog the "quiet" command, so when he/she barks, say "quiet" and when he is quiet for a second give a treat ane praize right away. Teach your to do a down stay when guests come so they can get settled before the dogs greets them. Take your dog ona leash to the guest and don't let it jump. Tell your guests to ignore the dog when they come in if it is barking, it wants the attention! No attention? The dog will learn that barking at guests, or miss-behaving will result in nothing! Good luck!

Answer 5

with my experience with dogs. All dogs have different behaviors . Like different personalities. Some are more aggressive than others. or more shy. I guess your baby is more on the aggressive side.

Do not really punish them for barking at strangers cause they might be actually protecting you. However smaller breeds barks for themselves to protect themselves cause they are smaller some sort of self defense in advance.

I don't belive that you can really train your dog to not bark at strangers, however you can decrease the continuous barking.

For example , when ever a stranger walks up and when your dog barks .

1st wrap your whole hand around his or her mouth and closing it
2nd while holding the it close , with a firm voice say " BE QUIET! 5-1o times.

When you let go if he or she cont. to bark again ... repeat the procedure.

Remember when they do stop the bark .. make sure you praise them . for example... saying good boy or goood girl in a praising tone.

Good luck

Answer 6

You already have a couple good posts, but I will add using a water mister. A well timed water mister in the face (not on 'stream', you don't want to hurt her!) can work very well. Be sure to be consistent and use a word like 'enough' to tell her no more barking.

Answer 7

there are professional trainers available..you could opt for that, if not then you bring the guest a little near your dog(keep him/her tied..!) and engage in a smooth conversation just a few mins, and make sure you appear like friends....that would solve the problem....if even that does not work..simply raise your voice....a little screamin would do the job..