This is part 2 of our tips aimed at helping you stop dogs barking – for part one see stop barking dogs.
Who’s In Control – You Or Your Dog?
Our dogs will however sometimes use barking to manipulate us into doing what they want, when they want to do it. This normally indicates that we have not trained them to understand that we are in charge and are effectively their pack leader. The problem with this situation is that it’s often easier for us to give in to our barking dog and to do what they want.
An example of this might be where our dog brings us a ball and demands to be played with. It may be that it’s not convenient at this time for us to play with them so we ignore them and carry on doing what we were doing. Our dog repeatedly barks at us, and eventually we become so frustrated with their barking that we play with them. We have chosen to take the easier option of stopping our dog barking by doing what they want. The problem here is that we have rewarded our dog for barking at us, and at the same time have weakened our position as pack leader.
In the long run we will have a better relationship with our dog if we can train him to respect our position as pack leader and to follow our commands. This does not mean that we will not enjoy playing with our dogs, but that we have to do so within boundaries that only we can teach our dog to respect.
Actions Do Sometimes Speak Louder Than Words
The best response when your dog barks in this kind of manipulative way is to actively ignore your dog. To do this it’s important not to give your dog any attention when it barks in this way, even to shout at it or tell it to be quiet. It’s best generally to turn your back on your dog and avoid any eye contact. This may provoke your dog into even louder barking, especially if he’s been used to getting his own way in the past. If you carry on giving your dog the cold shoulder in this way the message will get through that their behaviour is not acceptable.
It’s important to keep persevering with this technique, and to use it on a consistent way. If your dog has gotten used to getting their own way, this will not be a quick fix. Regular daily training will also help to establish your position as pack leader and will help with this and other dog behaviour problems.
For more detailed advice and additional techniques on preventing excessive barking I highly recommend Secrets to Dog Training. It includes comprehensive and effective methods that will help you developing a better relationship with your dog.