Treatment is based on the causes of the barking. A treatment plan may include one or more of the following:
Avoidance of stimuli that may cause barking: This is a common management technique used for many behavioral problems. Altering behavior can take time and work. Sometimes it is easier to prevent the triggers of your dog's barking than to change her reaction to it. This technique should work, at least temporarily, for barking caused by separation anxiety and territorial or protective barking. Avoiding the triggers that cause barking may entail sending your dog to doggie day care, keeping her inside, not allowing her to see out of the window, or keeping her away from the door. Management techniques are based on what is causing the barking problem and do nothing to address the problem directly. The next time your dog is exposed to the stimulus or left alone, she is likely to bark.
Extinction: This technique involves ignoring your dog when she is barking, and is recommended when your dog is barking to get your attention. Owners and neighbors should be aware that the barking will likely get worse before it gets better. Eventually your dog's barking will lessen, though, as she learns that barking is no longer an effective way of getting what she wants. It is important to be consistent. Avoid petting and talking to your dog while she is barking, and avoid making eye contact and scolding her. If you give in and respond to the barking, you will be teaching your dog to bark for even longer the next time she wants something.
Punishment: Punishment is the most common technique used by owners to control barking in dogs. However, it may be inappropriate or unsuccessful in some types of barking dogs. When punishment is used with anxious or fearful dogs, the barking may worsen. Punishment can come in the form of bark-activated collars, water sprays and loud noises (air horns, coin-filled "rattle" cans). In order to be effective, the punishment must be administered immediately at the onset of each episode of barking. Yelling is not usually an effective punishment as the dog may just think that you are joining in. There are three main types of bark-activated collars. They are designed to make an audible or ultrasonic noise, spray citronella mist, or give an electric shock when activated by vibration or when remotely triggered.
Citronella is a citrus oil that dogs find distasteful. In a study where citronella collars were compared to shock collars, citronella collars were found more effective in controlling barking. When working correctly, anti-bark collars deliver immediate and consistent punishment. However, these collars can be accidentally triggered and shock collars have been known to elicit aggressive behavior. These devices should not be used as the only technique to eliminate barking, and their use should be supervised by an experienced individual.
Counterconditioning and desensitization: Counterconditioning involves teaching your dog an alternative behavior in response to a stimulus that would normally make her bark. Desensitization involves exposing your pet to a weak version of the stimulus and gradually increasing its intensity. These behavioral modification techniques are usually combined to change your dog's reaction to a stimulus. For example, if your dog barks at other dogs while on walks, you can use these techniques to train your dog to focus quietly on you (rather than the other dog) for a food treat. Your practice sessions may start with a dog that your pet knows at a great distance and should progress gradually by decreasing the distance between the dogs. The next stages involve working in a similar way with less familiar and then unfamiliar dogs.
Positive reinforcement: Praising your dog when he does not bark, especially when exposed to a stimulus, can be an effective way of controlling barking. You can also use positive reinforcement to teach your dog to obey a "quiet" command using praise or food treats.
Medical treatment of disease: If barking is due to pain, the source should be identified and treated.
Therapeutic medication: Dogs that have medical conditions or severe behavioral problems, such as separation anxiety, may require medication.
Surgical debarking: Many veterinarians do not perform this procedure, which involves removing the vocal cords. Some dogs still have a raspy bark after the procedure and the degree of effectiveness of the procedure varies considerably. It is our position that debarking dogs is not only of dubious efficacy but is an inhumane practice that should never be performed. If you don't like dogs barking you should get a cat.
Because there are many reasons for barking, treatment must be based on the specific cause. A behaviorist can help you with a treatment plan.
Until you receive help, prevent your dog's exposure to stimuli that cause barking. This may include keeping your dog inside or away from the windows, keeping windows closed to minimize noise, using a doggie day care service or leaving the dog with someone when you are away. Bark collars (citronella or shock) should not be used without guidance from a professional. Excessive use of shock collars is cruel and may even make the barking worse.
Related Articles
-
1
When Barking Is a Problem
It never stops – or maybe it just seems that way – but what you’ve got is a dog that barks too much. But what to do about it depends on why he’s raising such a ruckus in the first place.
» Read More
-
2
Fear of Thunder, Sounds or Noises in Dogs
Fear of thunder and other loud noises is not uncommon in pets. At the first clap of thunder, your dog may be suddenly missing in action, and you’re likely to find him in the far corner of the darkest closet...
» Read More
