Question: I don’t know how to stop my dog from barking. How do you teach them not to bark at every little sound?
– Lori, Greenfield Center
Answer: What a great question! So often we get annoyed when our dogs are barking. It does not matter what the reason is. Redirecting their behavior is a positive way to deal with the barking at that moment. Yelling, “No” or getting angry with them really does not teach them anything. There are many reasons that dogs bark and we do not want them to feel wronged for doing something that is so natural to them.
Developing a relationship that is rich in leadership, and teaching your dog how to behave the way you want them to is what will ultimately solve your barking problem.