Advice For Handling A Constant Dog Barking

All dogs bark for a variety of reason and some can include attempting to warn their owner of trouble, or to express some sort of pain or fright. Other times, constant barking can be considered negative behavior as far as we humans are concerned. Dogs in this category are trying to be menacing or simply trying to gain attention. Whatever reason the dog may have for barking, we humans often consider constant barking to be a nuisance. Due to this, here are several methods one can employ to help control a barking dog. By far the best method of controlling constant barking is to train the dog not to bark or, more specifically, to bark only at the appropriate times.

There are several ways to accomplish this, but dog trainers usually agree that traditional reward and reprimand systems are the most effective and the kindest to use. Some people may employ what is called a "bark collar" or a "shock collar" to attempt to control a constantly barking dog. These devices deliver a small shock to the dog when it barks and the idea is that the dog will associate a minor pain with his barking, becoming startled and eventually stop. There are many problems with this method. Many dogs will not associate the negative stimulus of a shock collar with their barking and they will continue to bark despite the pain it may cause. Dogs that have a lot of fur many not even feel the slight shock around their neck because activation of a bark collar requires its metal contacts to come in contact with the dogs skin around its neck.

Some dogs will finally get the message and stop barking. Generally, however the bark collar is not enough and the dog will require additional traditional reward/reprimand training anyway. Experts agree, it is not a good idea to use bark collars for a long period of time. Many people consider the idea of employing a bark collar to be cruel to the dog. While this may be a matter of opinion, these collars emit only a slight shock and will not cause harm to the dog if used over a short period of time. Yet another type of collar that operates on the same principle will deliver a mist of citronella in front of the dog's nose.

Dogs hate the smell of citronella and will soon realize that it is caused by the barking. Success rates for citronella collars are comparable to those of the electronic collars. Another method of controlling constant dog barking and by far the most inhumane is to have the dog undergo de-barking surgery. This procedure involves removing a bit a tissue around the larynx of the dog, rendering it unable to bark. The surgery doesn't always work and most vets will not recommend this extreme measure.

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