Living in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, we know that barking is just part of having a dog around. But when it gets out of hand, it can really test our patience – and probably our neighbours’ too. Figuring out how to stop a dog from barking isn’t about making them silent, but more about helping them chill out and only bark when it actually matters. Let’s chat through some real-life ways we can help our pups (and ourselves) find some peace and quiet.
Key Takeaways
- Barking is a natural behaviour for dogs, but we can reduce unwanted noise by working out what’s setting them off and tackling those triggers.
- The BIGGEST mistake people make is rewarding their dog using treats and rewards for stopping barking.
Understanding Why Dogs Bark and Identifying Triggers
Getting to the bottom of why our dogs bark is the first step towards managing their noisy habits. We know that barking is just part of being a dog, but when it won’t stop, it can make home life tougher than it should be. Let’s break down what’s behind all the barking and how to spot those triggers, with a bit of Aussie context.
Common Causes of Barking in Australian Homes
Barking in the home when you are still there is territorial. They believe they are in charge, and it is their job to protect the home. Barking when you are away from the home, a common side effect of separation anxiety, is to help you find your way back home. Essentially, they believe you are lost (because they believe you are in charge) and they are telling you to come back home.
All barking can be solved by implementing the dog calming code. This method relies on calmness, consistency and consequence of action. The method follows positive behaviourism with more of a lean towards winning the dog's mind and helping your dog to understand their role in the home
Think Logically
Lot's of dog trainers will talk about using food, rewards and distraction to solve this but think about this logically from your dog's perspective.
- If your dog barks, then you tell them to be quiet and the that means they get attention or a reward they will keep doing this. Why?
- Because in the situation that they do not bark at all, they receive no reward. So what is the benefit of remaining quiet?
Using the Dog Calming Code to Solve Barking
We have had 2 clients recently suffering from this. Elton (a 1.5 year old PomChi and Patty, a 2 year old Cavapoo).
The way that we solve this is by helping your dog understand that it is not their job to bark and defend the home. That you, as their owner, have this covered and they can relax.
Remember, if you give your dog attention during this phase whether that is:
- Shouting at them to stop
- Brain games
- Chasing them to stop them
- Treats for stopping
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'dog calming code' and how can it help with barking?
The dog calming code is a way of helping our dogs understand what we expect from them, using calm and clear rules. It’s about setting routines, being consistent, and rewarding our dogs when they are quiet and relaxed. When we use the calming code, we show our dogs how to behave without yelling or getting upset. This makes it easier for them to learn when it’s okay to bark and when it’s time to settle down.
