How can I stop my dog from barking at everything?

Question

I have a mongrel who barks at everything, the neighbours moving next door, shadows, our other dog. I'm nearly at the end of my tether as I just don't know what to do. I have tried special collars, a machine that gives a high pitched beep but nothing seems to work. I'm beginning to think he may have a doggy form of tourettes. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Initially, you want to try citronella collars (make sure they are attached properly), and squirting him with spray bottle water everytime he barks, but it sounds as though you've tried everything. I would take him to a behaviorist to find out why he is acting the way he is. Perhaps you are right...perhaps he has some type of psychological or neurological problem that is causing him to bark. Start by taking him to a vet, and then get the referal to the behaviorist.

Also, make sure that you don't ever reward his barking. If he barks at you for food, don't feed him til he stops barking. If he barks at you for attention, ignore him. Just don't reinforce his barking, or it will never stop.

Answer 2

Start by exercising him more. Throw a ball, Frisbee, play tug-o-war with a toy ect. Exercise calms a dog down and allows them to use energy that would otherwise be put forth chasing and barking at things. Second, you need to stop acknowledging his barking. Giving him attention of any kind only encourages the barking. Be consisted and don't expect over night changes. Quick fixes never work and only create other problems so be patient and you will see results in a week or so. The electric collars are not "proven" and often cause other problems and there is no guarantee that it's not defective.

Answer 3

There are a few real keys to dog training, whether you are trying to train your dog to come when called, sit, stop barking or any other behavior. Understanding their importance is critical to achieving rapid results that are long lasting and help develop the bond between you and your dog.
The first is simple; you must win your dogs mind. If you don’t achieve this first then you will be struggling the all the way. When I talk about winning your dogs mind what I really mean is that your dog looks to you for all the decisions. Before you do anything else watch one of the amazing video sites that show you the 5 Golden rules to establishing yourself as the pack leader. If you aren’t putting these in place then you are setting yourself up to fail. Just at the crucial point where you really want your dog to listen they will go and do their own thing. For sure your dog may play ball occasionally or even most of the time, you may even have a dog that is obedient 99% of the time, however if you want a dog who always listens to you and does as you ask then you need to win your dogs mind.
The second key to success is to motivate your dog. It is really important that you discover what it is that your dog enjoys both in terms of exercise and play but also in terms of a reward. If you can make the experience enjoyable then you will both achieve more and look forward to training.
I suggest doggy dan's training course https://tr.im/GN1Sw

Answer 4

Have you ever seen Cesar Milan: The Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel? He deals with dogs like this all the time. According to him, the dogs need three things--exercise, discipline, and affection--in that order. Dogs that bark at everything are in a state of anxiety and boredom. He suggests exercising them every day for at least 30-45 minutes. Even if it's just a brisk walk. That takes some of the energy out of them so they're more susceptible to instruction. Then when you notice they're getting fixated or anxious or hyper, snap their brain out of it by making a sound (Cesar uses a "cchh" sound) while quickly touching their body. You have to keep repeating it though whenever you see them start to get anxious. Eventually they will end up in a calm, submissive state. Most important, you have to make it clear that you are the pack leader through your stance and attitude. Yelling at them doesn't really work. Dogs are all about body language. So if you stand up straight and stick your chest out and communicate with him through sounds and touch, that'll work better. But it's something you have to work on every day, not just once or twice. So every time he starts to bark, you have to correct him --and not just by saying "No!" or "Stop!" Dogs don't understand that. Good luck!

Answer 5

Take him to dog obediance classes. They sound kind of dorky but they know what to do. It's all about behavioural conditioning. He needs to be ignored when he barks so he thinks he's not doing the right thing. A specialist will show you how or you could even read up on it through dog books.

Answer 6

W rescued a dog who had the exact same problem as yours! It nearly drove us nuts! He did it during the night too!

In the end we solved it really fast by using a water pistol. You need to have it where ever you are and use it every time he barks for NO reason.

After the first few squirts, the problem was cured and we now have a lovely calm dog.

Best wishes.

Answer 7

My mom's dogs have barked at absolutely nothing for 12 years now. And she's tried everything!

I have Tourette's, by the way, and would love to chat with your dog sometime about how he copes with everyday life. Later!

Answer 8

Might want to try the collar that sprays the citronella up towards the dog's nose when it barks. No shock, but has the same good negative effect. If this doesn't work, I'd try the shock collars. They are only needed until the habit is broken, not forever.

Answer 9

Every time the dog barks at something bad, then spray him/her with water. If he/she barks when somebody is at the door, then praise him. He will soon learn which offers rewards and which gets a punishment! good luck! =]

Answer 10

Ignore, ignore, ignore when he barks at something. When he sees that what he's barking at is getting no attention (neither positive nor negative) he will stop....eventually. It's the only way I know of, hang in there!