how to stop barking?

Question

my dog is 4 months old,lab.,he likes to bark at me when i am on the computer and will not stop,realize its his way of getting attention but how can i get him to stop,someone said to use a newspaper and tap him on the nose is this good idea or not?

Answer 1

Puppy is at an age where he wants to try and become ALPHA dog in the house. While it is an annoying stage, it can be corrected by using the NILF method of training. Basically, if your dog wants you to pet him or pay attention to him, then he has to earn it. Start by teaching him the basic command "sit"... once he masters that and can do it on command, tell him to SIT when he starts his barking. You can also start to teach him the command "Quiet" - and once he sits or is quiet, give him a ton of attention/praise. This will reinforce both you being the Alpha dog in the house and him getting rewarded for listening/being quiet. You can do a google search for more information on NILF training.

Answer 2

First, be sure that you're giving your dog enough attention at other times.
When you want to get on the computer, first distract him with a toy or chew bone so that he has something to do while you get on the computer. Be sure he's recently gone outside, has water, etc so you're sure all needs are taken care of -- it's only attention he's demanding.
When he starts barking, tell him "No! Be Still!" (or whatever command you prefer) and, if he's close enough to you, grasp his mouth/nose gently and hold his mouth closed for a moment. This is not intended as punishment but as teaching him what you want him to do; don't hurt him simply gently force him do what you want.. Then, no matter how hard it is, TOTALLY IGNORE HIM.
When he's calm, give him a treat and praise him (but not excitedly, or he'll go nuts again). If he's barking, tell him "No! Be Still!" once as described above then ignore him totally.

Negative attention is better than no attention, in the pup's eyes. It'll take him about three days to figure out that barking gets him NO attention of any kind. Then he'll stop doing it.

I've taught several dogs not to bark using this method. It can be modified slightly, if you DO want them to bark at intruders and only intruders, by praising them instead of telling them no, if a stranger is in the house or within whatever proximity to it that you find acceptable (such as on the porch or knocking on the door). In fact, this is much easier, as dogs expect to defend their territory and look to you as "leader" to define the territory's boundaries.

Answer 3

Your dog is in control of the house is what he is saying to you. By barking then you giving him attention you are indeed saying to this dog "yes master".
Dogs do not think like we do. There has to be a boss. By barking at you like this he is taking the boss roll in the house. Guarantee you will have more problems with this dog then just barking at you if you do not stop it now!
Teach this dog "no". I say "quiet". We got this saint Bernard in full grown he used to do this to me, I do not think so! I made it clear without hitting him with anything that this is not going to happen. Not around me anyways. I am boss and these dogs will listen to me. Of course we have much bigger dogs then a lab (two of them anyhow), and we have 4 all together. There has to be order within a pack. Look your dog straight in the eyes when you tell him no. Looking at a dog in the eyes is a form of dominance. If you are going to do this make dang sure you do not take your eyes off the dog until he does it first.....with your hand throw something on the ground and make him look away, if he is challenging you...Do not do this with a dog you do not know and who is showing aggression, it might attack. Learned this as a kid the hard way!! The owner had to drag his dog away from me! Ticked that dog off and I did not know what I was doing at the time...
Good luck and be persistent!

Answer 4

DO not hit your dog, even lightly it'll only cause more problem like submissive peeing or for him to be afraid of you.

Get a spray bottle with water and put it on direct stream. When the dog barks inappriopriately sprasy directly in face. It should learn quickly to be quiet from this... don't worry a spray of water won't hurt the dog but ti should get them to stop barking. It took my dog one spray to learn to be afraid of the bottle and stop barking.

If your dog likes water than you can elevate the training by chilling the water either by refrigerating the bottle or putting ice cubes in there..if that doesn't work add a little vinegar to the water.

Answer 5

Take him for a nice long walk on the leash before you sit down at the computer, you know how quickly time flys when at the computer.
He's bored and needs to be exercised with a walk, on a leash. This is something you both need to do together, and it will help to tire him out, so while you are on the puter he will be resting from his walk. Should make you both happy.
No paper on the nose please!

Good luck
:)B

Answer 6

I got our dog to stop barking by holding my hand around his mouth and saying "Quiet". It only took 2 days for him to realize what "Quiet" meant. Also, I did not yell it but said it peacefully.

Answer 7

Maybe smack the rolled up newspaper on the floor, not the dog's nose. It's the sound that bothers them.

Answer 8

I will say it's a good idea so that he will stop barking at you or just get a barking collar.

Answer 9

This is similar to a question that was discussed several days ago. The simplest solution to your problem is a bark collar. Choose the right one and the right intensity and let him wear it. It works amazing.

Answer 10

Why punish him when he really isnt doing anything wrong? Maybe he has to go outside or just wants to play with you. don't punish him for something thats not wrong.