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Barking Training:

You love your dog with all of your heart.  But like any owner, when your dog barks uncontrollably or inappropriately, you want to curtail it as soon as possible.  After all, quietness is a virtue.  Barking training emphasizes punishment in order to teach your dog the meaning of “no”.

  • Every time your dog barks inappropriately, go up to him and simply shout affirmatively, “No!”  Then, spritz him lightly in the face with a watery mist.  Some owners have opted to give him a two-fingered light snack on the nose.  The goal is not to inflict pain on your animal.  Owners who choose this option are trying to ensure that every bark is immediately followed by a consequence that is unnerving and unpleasant.  Owners who decide to do physical punishment must remember the purpose is not to hurt the dog.  Therefore, we recommend the light spritz instead since it’ll be just harsh enough for your dog to want to avoid experiencing it again.
  • That said, be sure that your dog finds the spritz unpleasant. Just think – while you’re barking training your dog, if he actually enjoys the spritz you will be inadvertently promoting the very behavior you’re trying to stop!
  • When your dog barks, go to where he is located.  Do not call him over to you.
  • For effective bark training, go up to him every time he barks.
  • Continue to go up to him for as long as it takes.  Every time he barks, go up to him and every time this happens, fulfill a negative consequence like the spritz.
  • The punishment needs to be consistent so your dog realizes this is an automatic and impending consequence of barking.
  • Therefore, when your dog is quiet it’s important to reward him with affectionate interactions. 

As a footnote to bark training, if you have a vicious dog or one that could possibly bite you during bark training do not take the chance.  You may need to hire a professional dog trainer to determine if it is safe to train your own dog in order to proceed with bark training.  If it is not safe, the professional dog trainer may need to conduct the sessions on your behalf.

At The Dog Bowl, nothing is more important than your pets’ health and well being.  For more information about barking training, call us at 713-529-0334 or toll-free at 1-877-4RAW-DOG.