what should i do about my barking dog?

Question

My dog Reggie is a BIG barker, he cant help it. My family has tried everything to try to get him to stop, he just refuses to stop his barking.
I love him soo much but if he doesn't stop barking we have to get rid of him. please help me and my family.

Answer 1

Unfortunately you can't stop him. He thinks he is protecting the family when he does that. Trust me, my dog does the same thing. I feel so bad for spatting her. Nothing has stopped her. You can buy a muzzle and try training her that way and maybe she will get the hint. Ask your vet for the correct answer. I have heard of some people having their voice boxes removed but that sounds so cruel. I guess it depends on how bad you want to keep them too. It is a tough situation. They do it out of love.

Answer 2

Firstly I would find a trainer in your area, preferably one who teaches positive reenforcement. A sign of a dog barking could be that he is bored - does he get regular exercise? What reaction does he get when he barks, do people call out to him? If so, stop! Ignore him. By barking and people reacting to it, no matter if its a smack (hopefully not!) or anything, its a sign that he has one and he is getting the attention he is asking for.

You can either:

a) try to ignore the barking - he will eventually see that he is no longer getting the reaction he is after and will get bored and do something else. It is a good idea to get Kong toys and set up a rope on a spring for him to keep him occupied. If he is quiet for five minutes, go outside and praise him and pay him attention. Whenever he is noisy, he doesn't get attention, when he is quiet, he will.

b) shake a can with rocks in it whenever he barks - this is a way for him to be taught not to bark without you or your family being associated with the noise (be sure to be out of sight but be in an area where he can hear the can be shaken). When he starts barking, shake the can - he should be startled by the loud noise and stop. Keep this up. Again, when he is noisy, don't give him attention, when he is quiet, praise him and play with him.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Fortunately, in most states, neighbors can't take you to court for disturbing the peace. Unfortunately Reggie probably picked up the habit from your family. It may be cute to watch Reggie beg for food or treats, but after sitting and licking his lips, comes whining, and after that barking. When your family sits to eat a meal or even a snack- try to put him in a room with his favorite toy where he can't see you. If you can't do that then anytime you eat and he sits to beg let him know this is unacceptable or plan his meal around your meal. Feed him in his own bowl when you eat. If he's an outside dog, start letting him stay inside and when you or a family member goes out take him to use the restroom. Provide him with stimulation from a treat ball the dispenses a treat every so often when rolled when you are gone. Keep him on a leash when you do exit your home. If he starts barking for no reason on the leash stop and make him sit. It's funny but most dogs feel they need to be standing in order to get a good bark out. Reward him when he does this right and praise him if he barks for the right reason.

Answer 4

You may need to take him to a professional dog trainer in your area. Talk to friends to acquire a recommendation, before you just give up on him and are forced to give him away.
Is he barking due to a noise he hears, or he is just the type of dog that barks constantly, even at the wind? Is he a puppy, a younger dog, or a mature dog? All of these questions play a role in the proper training for the dog.
"You can't teach an old dog new tricks"...but it's worth the try.
Good luck.

Answer 5

find a trainer in your area. they can teach or unteach a dog ...just about anything. It is about positive rewards. If he is an outside dog , maybe he is lonely and wants more of your attention. if he is a young dog or pup , maybe he is bored. Get him some chew toys to keep his mouth busy. Does he constantly bark indoors as well? It could be the type of breed he is... anxious or nervous, or an inbred dog. find a professional, it may cost a little, but being a pet owner goes beyond providing food and water. Good luck with your dog.

Answer 6

You don't have to get rid of him. A muzzle (covering the mouth) will do. Put it everytime he barks. Then, remove after about 5 minutes. Train him with this and eventually, he will know that he is being punished if he barks continuously, without any reason at all.

Answer 7

Have a look on the net and u should find something, i know u can get your dog de-barked but u have to ask your vet

Answer 8

Here's a link that may help before your neighbors take you to court and you have to debark him.

John.

PS. I got a rescued Terrier and he was already debarked.... Not sure why it was done since he's really not a barker, but when he does it's not as loud but you can still hear him.

Answer 9

let him bark but if it gets out of hand go with the shock collar but barking means he fells that ppl are a threat

Answer 10

I use shock collars and they work great.

If you don't want to use that it may be best to make him a house dog.

If he is bothering you he is bothering your neighbors.