How to stop small dogs from barking. Dogs often bark to communicate with their owners and the outside world. Although it’s cute when a dog barks occasionally, when it becomes excessive, it may be annoying and even frightening, and it may be an indication of a behavioral problem.
The most typical ones are trying to get someone’s attention, marking territory, being bored, being excited, being scared, or feeling lonely. If you want to swiftly address your dog’s barking behavior, you need to figure out why he or she is barking.
However, there are other tried-and-true methods to deal with a barking small dog. Let’s take a look at how to stop small dogs from barking.
Engage Their Thoughts and Prevent Boredom
Idleness is a common cause of excessive barking. Dogs are social creatures that thrive when they have company. When left alone for long periods of time, your dog may become bored and destructive.
When you’re both at home, make sure to give them lots of attention. Dog puzzles, chew toys, and Kong toys loaded with treats are great for keeping them busy and interested while you’re gone.
Ignore the Barking
Ignoring the barking of your small dog is a way of stopping your dog from barking. Don’t give your barking dog any positive encouragement, such as treats or extra attention.
If you respond to your dog’s barking with your own yells, he may mistake them for conversation and bark even more. Put up with his antics until he calms down and ignore his demands. Treats and care will convince him to remain quiet again.
Wear Him Out Physically
Another simple way of how to stop your small dog from barking is to wear him out physically. A dog that has had a long day is less likely to bark for attention or out of boredom.
The best strategy to reduce barking during the day may be to take a brisk walk with your dog first thing in the morning. Run up and down the stairs or set up an obstacle course indoors if the weather outside is bad.
If you and your dog are getting bored with your regular walks, try adding some agility drills or a game of fetch to your outdoor time together.
Teach Him to Respond To “Quiet” or Another Word
Your dog’s barking may be appropriate and even helpful if he’s trying to warn you of danger or express distress.
But there are times when you realize his barking is annoying, aggressive, or both and you wish to train him to stop. Use words like “stop” and “quiet” to train your dog to be still and quiet.
Say the command loudly and clearly while making a hand gesture, such as placing your palm in front of them. Repeat the order when he stops listening and offer him a tasty treat to teach him that being quiet is rewarded.
Become Desensitized to Barking Triggers
Train your small dog to respond with a different action if there is a specific stimulus that causes him to bark every time.
If he is reactive to other people while you are out walking, have a friend or family member try walking toward you so that he can practice not barking at them.
Treat your dog quickly if he displays calm behavior and listens to your directions to “stay” and “be quiet.” If he starts barking, step back and give it another shot. Exercise your dog until he or she exhibits the desired behavior on a regular basis.
You Should Never Harm Your Dog Intentionally
Dog barking should never be met with discipline. For instance, punishing your dog by yelling at it or throwing objects at it should not be done.
Trying to disrupt its barking with water spray, loud noises, a citronella-spraying collar, or a bark collar should be used only as a last resort.
Punishment has no long-term positive effects on a dog. It can lead to undesirable behaviors like aggression and phobias and can increase the dog’s stress levels to the point that it becomes unable to learn.
It’s possible they’ll blame the discomfort on you, the trainer.
Lessen Distractions
Small dogs often bark because they are reacting to anything in their immediate surroundings. Dogs are often excited and will often bark at the sight of a stranger, at the sound of the doorbell, or at the sight of another dog in the yard.
You can stop your small dog from barking by removing any potential sources of outside noise, such as windows, or by moving him to a quieter room at night.
Seek the Advice of a Professional
If your efforts to reduce your dog’s barking have been unsuccessful, you may want to consult a professional trainer or your veterinarian.
Intense barking may be a symptom of medical conditions that cause the dog to feel anxious and aggressive. A dog trainer with plenty of expertise may also have suggestions for improving the efficacy of anti-barking techniques.
Use a Bark Collar as a Last Resort
You should consult your vet before resorting to this option. When a bark collar detects vibrations in the vocal cords, certain bark collars either spray the dog with citronella (an unpleasant scent for them) or make a loud, high-pitched noise.
Many small dogs have reported success with this method, including a reduction in their habit of barking constantly. There will be no more complaints from the neighbors, and you’ll have peaceful evenings with your dog if you follow these easy steps to curb excessive barking.
How To Stop Small Dogs from Barking
We have listed some ways on how to stop small dogs from barking that I think will be useful to you. Please feel free to comment if you have any additional methods that will help.
As always, it is important to give your dog proper nutrition as part of an important part of a dog’s health along with feeding the recommended amount.
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