Debarking is not a good option
Dogs naturally make a lot of noises – whining, moaning,
sighing, farting and growling. But out
of all the noises they make, barking is the noise that can land you and your
dog in the metaphorical doghouse. If you
cannot get your dog to stop barking incessantly, you will face fines, court dates
and the possibility of your dog being taken away from you.
Why Do Dogs Bark?
Dogs bark because of three reasons –
- communication
- stress
- sheer
boredom
When you are retraining your dog to stop barking so much,
make your sizable task easier by making sure your dog is waiting a proper
diet, getting regular exercise (including AT LEAST one half hour vigorous walk
a day) and have your dog neutered.
Neutering your dog not only reduces your dog's chance of getting cancer
of the reproductive organs, but makes the dog much better able to concentrate
on training sessions.
When They Bark
Try to immediately distract your barking dog's attention by
clapping your hands, throwing a ball or stomping on the floor (the floor, not
your dog). Whatever you do, DON'T shout. It is very hard not to shout because you want
to let any human hearing your barking dog get yelled at. But human yelling equals human barking to a
dog. Your dog will keep on barking when
you yell at him or her to stop barking so the dog barks more and the cycle
continues.
One thing that may work for your dog certainly worked for
mine. My mongrel Pony suddenly began the
habit of barking when she wanted her dinner when she turned three years
old. This had to be stopped. When she began barking, I put her in the
basement by herself. She wasn't let out
until she stopped barking.
When I'm not home, I leave plenty of chew toys to keep her
mouth occupied. I also leave something
with my scent on it (my bathrobe) to give her comfort.
Reinforce Quiet Behavior
When your dog is quiet, reward with praise, treats or (if
your dog is on a diet) play with a favorite
toy. Do this whenever your dog is quiet,
until your dog starts cottoning on to the idea.
Each dog learns at his or her own pace – just like you do.
You need patience in order to retrain a continually barking
dog, especially if they are one of the breeds that have been bred to bark, such
as Jack Russells or Parson Rusell Terriers. If you are not having
success, then you should ask your vet for advice and to help find a
trainer. You may need a professional
trainer for help.
What About Debarking?
The absolute last resort can be to get your dog a
devocalization (debarking) operation.
(This operation is illegal in many European countries). Any operation is
expensive and potentially lethal, so this should be done only if the dog is
under threat of death because of the barking.
Debarking will not make a dog silent. The dog will still bark and make noises, only
softer than usual. Many view debarking
as cruel. It is necessary, expensive
surgery if you are patient and persistent with retraining.
Additional References
- · Palika, Liz. The KISS Guide to Raising Your Puppy. DK
Publishing; 2002.
- · Sweeney, Michael S., et al. Dog Tips From Dog Town: A
Relationship Manual for You and Your Dog. National Geographic: 2010.
- · Dennison, Pamela. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Positive Dog
Training. Alpha Books; 2006.
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