One question that I often get from people is how to keep their dogs from barking. By the time that they talk to me, they have tried yelling things like “Stop barking!” or “Shut up!,” which to their surprise has usually resulted in their dog barking even louder. Trying to yell even louder has not had any effect. As anyone who has been around a barking dog knows, dogs can bark louder and longer than people can yell.
I first explain that yelling at a barking dog does not do any good. The dog interprets the yelling as more barking, and is pleased that the other pack members are finally joining in for sounding the alarm. Yelling louder tells that dog that even more effort is needed, and so she redoubles her efforts.
Instead, I suggest using a simple form of learning, based on the natural behavior of dogs. When a mother dog wants to discipline her pups, she will either take a pup’s muzzle in her mouth and gently squeeze, or will put her head on the pup’s muzzle and gently push down. At the same time, she might give a low growl.
This same behavior can be used to teach a dog not to bark. If your dog is barking, put one hand on the back of the neck of the dog, and with the other hand gently squeeze the mouth shut and gently push the muzzle down. At the same time, say "Quiet!" in a low voice that sounds like a growl. The operative term here is “gently.” Do not do anything that could injure your dog or cause her any physical discomfort. And, do not do this if your dog is aggressive toward you and there is a risk of you getting bitten.
When your dog stops barking, say whatever words of praise that you normally use, in a high-pitched happy voice. I like to use “Good Dog!” in a high-pitched voice. The high pitch is important, because this is the tone that dog mothers use when they are pleased with their pups.
Repeat this situation whenever the dog is barking inappropriately. If the dog barks when she sees another dog, you can maybe have a friend walk their dog past yours a few times while you do the muzzle press and “Quiet!” routine. Within a short while, the dog will learn to stop barking when you say “Quiet!” With my dog, I like to have him bark a few times whenever someone rings the doorbell, and then I will say “Quiet!” and he will stop, confident that I will handle the situation from that point on.
Barking dogs can be very annoying, but with a little bit of patience and application of learning theory, dogs can learn to stop barking on command. However, as with all behavior problems, there is no substitute for hands-on help from a qualified dog behaviorist.
---Con Slobodchikoff
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