A dog’s bark isn’t one of life’s most pleasant noises, is it? But if it’s your own pup that’s barking, at least you can accept that it’s part and parcel of being a dog parent.
When dogs bark, however, it’s usually not just their family that can hear it. And this is particularly true when your dog’s outside in the backyard – maybe not even a game with one of the best dog toys will get them to stop! Barking is a natural behavior for dogs – what can you do if your dog’s barking outside and disturbing both you and your neighbors?
Well, Juliana DeWillems, an expert dog trainer and head trainer at JW Dog Training & Behavior, has offered some advice in an Instagram post. You might want to try this…
Sometimes, simple problems call for simple solutions. “Make your yard a more relaxing and calm space,” says DeWillems, “Simple management solutions can go a long way!”
She recommends reducing the number of the things your dog can see – install a fence cover, for instance. “Reducing how much your dog can see reduces how much they have to bark at,” she explains. Give your dog fewer things they can look at, and you’ll likely reduce their barking triggers, cutting down reactivity.
DeWillems continues, “Your dog might still bark at noises or smells, but if you can reduce their triggers even a little bit, it makes life easier and more manageable.”
If your dog won’t stop barking, whether inside or outside, it’s also important to consider what the other causes might be. Some dogs bark because they’re excited, bored, lonely, or they want attention. There might not be something in their vision that triggers them.
But no matter why your dog is barking, remember not to use punishments or negative reinforcement to try to get them to stop – they can be stressful for dogs and even have a negative effect.
And, in some instances, barking can be caused by a medical issue, so if you can’t get to the root of your pup’s excessive barking, it’s best to speak to your vet and get them a physical examination and tests to rule out any medical conditions. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
If you don’t have a dog at the moment but you’re looking, or you want to add another pup to your family, you might want to take a look at our list of the most vocal dog breeds, too.
