In the previous article we focused on the reasons behind all the barks from your canine friend. Now, let’s see what can be done to get your dog to stop barking altogether.
Ignore Button
In these cases let him use up all the barks he has and only pay attention to him when he gets quiet.
Patience and perseverance are crucial here. The barking will most certainly get worse before it starts to subside.
Removing the Motivation
If your dog is barking because he’s being territorial, make sure you block his view of the things that trigger his behavior. If your pooch is barking at things outside, close the curtains or blinds, or even move your dog to another area of the house. If he can’t see his triggers, the barking will stop.
Removing the Fear
Distance your dog from whatever it is that scares him. When he sees his trigger, give him some delicious treats before he can bark, as a distraction. If he feels safe at a certain distance, move slightly closer and repeat the action, gradually working closer and closer to the fear trigger until your dog starts to feel safe and comfortable.
This method can take many sessions, but will pay off in the end.
The “Hush” Command
When your dog is barking – get some treats. When he’s quiet – mark the behavior with a verbal yes, immediately giving him the treat. Repeat.
As soon as he is getting quiet faster, introduce Hush on cue.