how do i keep my dog from barking?

Question

I have a 5 year old german sherpard mix who barks at thunder and when i put him outside other dogs. How do I get him to stop. Also when he barks at the thunder he paces all night how can I stop this?

Answer 1

He may be barking because he is scared or because the loud noise hurts his ears. Thats just what dogs do. The only way to stop would be to put him in a basement where he can't hear anything or get him a muzzle, but I think those are bad for the dogs. :(

Answer 2

Your dog has a fear of thunder - not uncommon. Bring him in when it's thundering - you're only increasing his trauma. To help him cope you can either get your vet to prescribe tranquilizers for him or you can use what I use (and it works with no side effects unlike the tranquilizer) is an all natural remedy called Bach's Flower Essences, the one you want is called Rescue Remedy.

As far as barking at other dogs, you get him to stop by telling him to stop. If you consistently go outside the very instant he starts barking and firmly tell him no, he will eventually understand that's not acceptable behaviour. If there's other dogs outside, stay out with him for a bit, if he barks, tell him "no barking" or whatever you choose to say, the second he stops you give him lots of praise, maybe a treat. Stay with him a while, distract him by playing and give him lots of praise when he's quiet. He'll learn.

Answer 3

There is a battery operated collar you can get for him. This will curb the barking. As far as thunder, he will probably never get over that without giving him Ace, to calm his nerves during a storm.

Answer 4

well ive seen people who did the squirt bottle method and it worked or newspaper. but i agree its a natural responce to outside forces. no muzzle though unless hes biting.

Answer 5

take him to the shelter or kill him.

Answer 6

do you really want to know??