Bark Dog Not Train
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Some dog owners feel that training a dog not
to bark is counter-intuitive. They believe that dogs are meant to bark to
appraise their owners of danger and in order to scare off potential
intruders and pests from the property. Other dog owners believe that it is
cruel to train a dog not to bark, since barking is a natural way for dogs
to communicate. If you own a dog, you may well wonder whether it ever
makes sense to not train your dog not to bark.
The answer is really no. Although it is true that you don’t want to train
your dog to the point that he or she never barks, unnecessary barking is a
real problem. It adds to sound pollution, it irritates your neighbors (and
even you). Worst of all, if do not train your dog not to bark, you
actually inhibit your dog’s ability to communicate with you - your dog
will be used to your non-response when he or she barks, and will likely be
at a loss as to how to communicate with you when there is a real problem.
If you want your dog to act primarily as a watch dog, you may want to take
your pet to a professional trainer or obedience school early in your pet’s
life. Trainers can help train your dog in such a way that your pet will
bark at danger but not at other stimulus. If, however, your pet is
primarily a pet, you will certainly want to train your dog not to bark.
The simplest way to do this is by negative stimulus when your pet begins
to bark at nothing. A sharp “no” may suffice if your dog takes direction
well. If your pet has trouble with training, an electronic collar that
works remotely can help you control your dog’s barking. You can buy a
simple one at a pet store for about a hundred dollars or buy a used one
for well under one hundred dollars online or through the classified ads in
your local paper. Teaching your dog not to bark is one of the most humane
and kind things you can do for your pet.
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