Dec 13, How to Stop Dog Barking or Howling - Control Dog or Puppy Barking at Night, at People or Other Dogs

Excessive Dog Barking or howling is one of the most common dog behavior problems that people complained.

Some dog owners use the wrong way to stop the dog barking - they use punishment. This is because they do not understand that dog barking is completely normal, it is a way of communicating with his owner. The dog is trying to tell the owner something.

If you want to learn how to stop dog barking, you should understand and interpret the reasons your dog is barking.

The following are some possible reasons:-

Found a stranger is near your house
Saw an animal near your house
Wants to go out to pee/poo
Wants to have his meal
Wants to play due to bored or lonely
Without any reason

The first 3 reasons of barking are completely normal as long as your dog does not act too aggressively. If you dog is barking while charging aggressively at the stranger/animal near your house, you have to correct that behavior. This behavior is dangerous. If one day you forgot to close your gate, there is a chance that your dog will attack the stranger. Your dog could end up confine in Animal Care and Control and you might be sued.

Dog Bite Law's statistics has showed that there are average 1000 americans per day are treated in emergency rooms as a result of dog bites. Dog bites losses exceed $1 billion per year, with over $300 million paid by homeowners insurance. You definitely do not want your dog to be part of the statictics

Before you learn how to stop dog barking behavior, you have to interpret which category your dog falls into. Whatever is the reason, DO NOT punish your dog with cane or hand, this will only make things worse. Here are some suggestions that you may apply at home to correct the dog/puppy barking behavior:-

Understand what triggers your dog's aggressive barking behavior. (eg: animal or stranger).
Put your dog on leash and choke collar, simulate the triggering event and when your dog starts to bark, snap the leash while giving a serious face expression with a dog training command of your choice. Your dog will understand that behavior is not allowed
DO NOT pet your dog and telling your dog to calm down. If you are petting him at that time, you are actually encouraging that behavior.
After your dog has calm down, then only you may reward that behavior by petting or giving food reward.

Some dogs are smart and they know exactly when you are giving them food and play time. This is especially true if some time ago, you have given him food or play time after he barked. He will remember this and he will trick you into giving him food or play time by barking next time. Here are what you can do to stop this behavior:- Other than time factor, understand what other things that trigger the barking reaction. (eg: the smell of food, sound of your food step, or even sound of key).
Every time when the triggering factors come together, you should give him a warning and ask him to calm down.
If he can not calm down, then put him on leash and snap him out of his excitement to make him calm down.
If he has calm down, give him affection for being a good boy
If he calm down completely, then only give him what he wants
These steps will teach him to calm down in order to get what he wants

If your dog is barking without any reasons, it could due to dog frustration - lack of exercise. You should bring him for a morning walk (45 minutes to 1 hour) to drain his excessive energy. Watch him for a few days and see if there is any improvement. Next, whenever he barks, DO NOT pet him or give him food treat, this will further encourage the behavior. You should give him a warning with the dog command of your choice. When your dog has calm down, then only you reward his behavior.