Stopping Excessive Dog Barking

The first step to stopping excessive dog barking is to understand the motivation behind the noise. Common causes are lack of exercise, boredom, separation anxiety, fear, and territorial instincts.

1. Lack of Exercise

These dogs have pent up energy that is released through excessive barking. (Tom Cruise's advice about exercise being the solution to people's mental health problems applies to dogs too.)

A walk twice a day just doesn't cut it for certain dogs. I highly recommend roller blading or riding your bike while he RUNS along side you. Remember, a tired dog is a calm, quiet dog.

2. Boredom

Boredom barking occurs when your dog is lonely and isolated. Dogs need mental stimulation. Give him the opportunity to exercise, explore, sniff, and urine mark. Spend quality time with him playing games like catch or fetch. Give him access to chew toys to keep him occupied.

3. Separation Anxiety

Dogs that lack confidence, especially former shelter dogs, tend to bark excessively when left alone. These insecure pooches need gentle handling and this anxiety related behavior takes time to cure.

Gradually increase the period of separation over many weeks. Praise the dog only when quiet.

Always leave your dog with a toy that has your comforting scent---rub it around in your dirty laundry first.

Confine your dog to a crate or a small area. A confined space provides a den-like comfort zone. It will help alleviate pacing and worrying about what is going on outside.

Always leave the house quietly. If you make a big deal about leaving, so will your dog. Sneak out when your dog is busy or resting from the morning walk.

4. Fear

A scared dog is undersocialized and lacks self confidence. Expose your pooch to different people, places, and situations. A well socialized dog is able to handle new experiences more easily and has fewer fears.

Fearful dogs are often coddled too much by their owners. Do NOT pet your dog while he is doing anything you don't want him to do. Comforting a barking fearful dog can make the situation worse by catering to this behavior. Wait for him to quiet down and then praise them.

5. Territorial Instincts

These dogs are protecting their home or yard from "intruders" such as the mailman, a squirrel, a passing neighbor, or the landscaper. Your dog barks to alarm you of the situation and to warn the intruders to stay away.

Neutering a male dog will help "relax" him from this protective instinct.

Get him out of his environment, so he will be more likely to rest when home.

Slowly introduce friends of yours, but strangers to the dog, over to your house. Allow them to move around your house freely. By correcting your dog if he shows any signs of aggression or barking at "intruders," you are relieving him of his duties as "protector."

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