Barking is often one of the reasons given when owners surrender their dogs to shelters. My breed, Great Pyrenees, are known for their barking. Once they discover their voice, they may go on barking jags for the sheer joy of hearing themselves. I often get calls or emails from owners seeking advice, or asking which anti-bark collar I recommend. I have never used a collar. I can tell you discussions on several of the email lists I’m subscribed to report they are often ineffective, and can cause terrible sores. Instead, what I do is train. I find that after a few days of training--both owner and dog--the problem can usually be resolved. The key is consistency!
Good Bark, Bad Bark!
First, investigate EVERY bark. Someone at the door? "Good Bark, yes! Thank you!" Praise your dog enthusiastically, ruffle the chest fur, and maybe even give a small treat. A car pulls in your driveway? "Good Bark, yes! Thank you!" Again, enthusiastic praise.
Grasshopper on the window-sill? "ENNHH! That's nothing!" Show disgust and walk away! No praise, not loving pats. Leaf fell? Squirrel farted? Same thing---disgust, no praise---BUT you must investigate, and you must be consistent. Before too long your dog will realize what is and is not acceptable barking.
Barking At Night
The complaint of "barking all night" is frequently heard, too--and the easiest to solve. Folks seem surprised that we know the dog is kept outside. The problem for the dog is that it cannot see what it is trying to guard--the family. Bring the dog inside and the problem is solved.
Nighttime barking can also be attributed to Decreased Visibility. If you've let Rover outside to do his business, you might notice that after a time he'll stand barking at the darkened areas of the yard. He could be barking at the reflection of a distant light, the rustling sound he can not see to identify, or even the nameless "it" that lives in the dark. A friend from one of my email lists advises, "Barking at my house decreased to almost nil when I added additional lighting." The simplest solutions are often the best. Add lighting to dark areas and bring the dog in!
Unexplained Barking
I have to give you some examples of barking. My parents are elderly, and so is their Great Pyrenees, Ursa. Occasionally he'll get to barking. My Mom has said she hasn't "the Time" to correct. Instead she calls me! She holds the phone to Ursa's ear, and I’ll ask, "Is this barking necessary? If not, knock it off!" The funny thing is he does. My Mom will call me hours later to report he hasn't made a peep all afternoon!
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