Dog Barking - Serious answers only please?

Question

Hi There

I work in the care sector and we have a resident who keeps a dog, the dog keeps barking and this annoys other residents in the complex.

The dog truly is all the woman has in her life and we dont want to have to force her to part with it.

Does anyone know of any good devices or techniwues to stop the barking, the dog is non aggressive, it just barks constantly.

Answer 1

Hi. You do have a problem on your hands, don't you? I think that you accept that the woman needs her dog but you also accept that it annoys other people.

Shall we take it out of the 'care sector' for a start and see how we would deal with it in an ordinary residential situation?

First of all, let us consider the dog. If the bark is monotone, single and about once every second, then the dog is bored and trying to drum up some interest in his/her life. Although this is neglect for the well-being of the animal, it is unlikely that a body like the RSPCA would take legal action against the owner. The owner needs training and not the dog! If the bark is erratic and excited then is it happening when someone approaches the property? If so, then the dog is doing his/her job and simply protecting his/her master/mistress.

At this point, let us go back in to the 'care sector' and evaluate if 'other residents' are actually deliberatly annoying the dog and making it bark - certainly worth considering, especially if the 'care sector' that you are in is mental health.

I do believe that there are collars around that will stop a dog from barking but that doesn't really solve the problem, does it? The owner of the dog needs to be trained to take responsibility for the dog and other residents need to be trained to take responsibility for their actions.

I really think that the dog is simply bored and that a good run would do it the world of good - and it needs to be done on a regular basis. Can I suggest that either you or one of your co-care workers takes the woman in question and her dog out for a lovely walk every day. Healthy for both and should sort out the problem. If the dog is obedient, then taking it to an open area and letting it have a good run off the lead should improve its wellbeing - and the wellbeing of its owner as well as other residents!

Answer 2

I'm going to assume its a small dog. For whatever reason they tend to bark fairly bad, but it IS possible to stop them, or at least get them to cut back. My friend has some sort of terrior (its the same kind that was in the wizard of oz) and he was able to really cut back on his moms dogs constant barkging.


The main thing you have to do, whatever you do, is be consistent. Do you think this person will be capable of that?

Well what my friend did was evertime the dog would bark he'd snap at her, tell her in a firm tone to hush, and give her a look. It took a month or so to really see results, but now, if she even starts to bark, you just have to snap your fingers at her and she stops.

Does the dog have a certain trigger? I know limiting my friends dogs access to looking out windows helped. If ppl walking by bother the dog, and she can see out the window try making it harder for it to get to the window. Unfortunatly dogs have GREAT hearing, so if it just barks at the sound of ppl.... then this won't work.

I have heard ppl claim that dog whistles work. I have never used one, so I can't say for sure. But they are very cheap. Just have the woman blow the whistle every time the dog barks.

Maybe the woman could try getting a dog trainers help? If price is an option, maybe yourself and the other residents could chip in?


On a side note. Many cities have laws against dogs barking constantly. If you truly want this woman to keep her dog, i'd try to help her find a way to hush it up quickly. Different areas have different laws, but in some instances a barking dog can be put to sleep. I know it sounds harsh, but it can happen.

Good luck

Answer 3

There is a collar that you can purchase at a dog supply place and you put it around the neck and when the dog barks it gives a high pitch sound to the dog it is safe and it works I have 7 pekes and had to but this for that 2 of my pekes would start with the barking and I know there isn't nothing more annoying than a dog barking non stop THE BEST OF LUCK...

Answer 4

My friend picked up this tip from dog borstal (the TV prog) and it certainly worked on his yappy dogs.
Half fill a plastic bottle with stones and screw on the lid. Whenever the dog starts to bark for no reason, shake the bottle up and down a few times to rattle the stones loudly. The dog will get a fright and stop barking. Repeat whenever it starts to bark. It will soon stop barking so much. Sounds mad but give it a few weeks and you will notice the difference.

Answer 5

I found getting the dog proper training worked wonders. Once he has learnt the 'speak' command they are pretty easy to shut up!

Dogs tend to bark when they get bored. Does the dog get taken for walks? If not, is it possible for it to go for walks? Toys and other things to keep the dog occupied will help too.

I am not a fan of shock collars or anything, I believe they are a form of cruelty. There are always other methods that can be used.

Answer 6

You can get electronic collars to stop the barking but these are expensive and don't always work , get in touch with a dog training class they may be able to help you or put you in touch with someone who can.

Answer 7

A spray collar may be a good idea, and maybe if someon offered to take the dog out now and again throughout the day it may also stop the dog from being bored.

Answer 8

I would suggest teaching the "speak" command (which will put the dog's barking on cue). Then you have another command "quiet" to end the barking.

Another method that may suit your situation is a citronella no bark collar.

You can read about these techniques and others here - http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/how-to-stop-your-dog-from-barking.html

Good luck with it.

Answer 9

I have never had this sort of problem but i have heard some people use collars on there pets to stop them barking and it does not hurt them=) Hope this works

Answer 10

there is collars that emit a high pitch noise or a collar thats sprays out a smell the dog won't like when it barks.
The dog actually could be just bored if it staying in the room all the time