How do I stop my dog barking?

How do I stop my dog barking? It's a question the majority of canine owners will have pondered at some point. The thing is, all dogs bark to some degree. It's their main method of communication with us humans and in many ways you should be more worried if your canine chum is completely silent. However, if your dog is barking excessively and seemingly for no reason, then you're right to want to do something about it. Not only can barking get pretty tiresome for you and your household (not to mention the nosey neighbors), but may well be the sign of a more serious underlying problem.

Here are some general pointers to keep in mind – but of course if you're in any doubt, the vet should always be your first port of call.

Is your dog barking when alone or bored?
If this is the case, the answer to the problem lies in the question. Some dogs simply can't cope with solitude or having nothing to do. Along with barking, it's also common for canines to soil the home or display destructive behavior. So consider whether he needs closer attention and, if it's happening at night, whether letting him sleep in the sight of someone could give everyone a bit of respite. Relieving boredom is simpler – just spend more time doing fun things with him!

Is your dog barking for attention?
All dogs want attention from their human friends, but this can reach excessive levels, leaving owners unable to even make a phone call without hearing an incessant noise in the background. Often the only way to break this cycle is to re-train your dog, particularly with the 'stay down' command, which involves moving the flat palm of your hand towards the floor.

Is excitement or fear the cause?
It's normal for dogs to bark when they're excited, whether this is welcoming you home or meeting visitors. However, excessive barking could be a sign that the rest of his day has been relatively boring, meaning you need to find more interesting and exciting things to do for them in the day. On the other hand, if their barking is being caused by fear, the solution may not be as simple. The fact is that barking to show fear is actually a good thing – it tells us when a canine can't cope in a certain situation. Making your dog face his fear will be the worst thing to do – instead get your vet to refer you to a behavioral specialist, who will be able to tell you more about how to train a dog.