How to Eliminate Nuisance Barking: Different Methods for Different Barks
Not all barks are created equally! There are several common types of barking, each having its own unique underlying cause and method(s) for being resolved. Before we can put a training plan in place to eliminate barking, we first need to understand what type of barking is occurring. Once we understand the type (or types) of barking we are dealing with, we can then most effectively work to stop it. Below are some of the most common types of barking and the different approaches to curb the behavior.
Demand Barking (aka Attention-Seeking Barking) - This type of barking can really hit a nerve because it is directed towards us. Attention-seeking/demand barkers often bark right at us and usually within close proximity. With this type of barking, our dogs bark because they want our attention or want us to do something (such as play or go for a walk). This is a type of barking that many pet parents inadvertently reward and reinforce. We might do this by giving our dog attention, giving them a toy to play with, playing with them, or giving a treat or chew to occupy them. We may think that we are giving them something to keep them quiet, when what we’ve actually done is reinforced the barking by paying attention to it and rewarding it. This teaches the dog that barking at us gets them what they want. This in turn causes more barking.
Training Method: Ignoring the dog is going to be part of the solution, since the cause is to get our attention or to try to get us to do something (like play). If we want this type of barking to stop, we can’t give in to what our dog wants while they are barking. We don’t want to inadvertently reward it. You might also be able to start reducing this behavior by proactively giving your dog some attention/playtime/toys before they start asking for it. This way they are still getting what they want/need, but you are in control of initiating it, not the dog. Keeping them busy with puzzles and other activities throughout the day should also help eliminate demand barking.
Alert Barking - This type of barking is common among guarding breeds who want to make sure they are doing their job watching over the home and family. It can also be a result of anxiety or fearfulness of certain noises or passersby outside the home. The mailman/woman and delivery drivers are often prime triggers of this type of barking. If you live near a highly trafficked area, your dog may be barking and fixating out the window for most of the day. If you have close neighbors this can be extremely important to resolve.
Training Method: In direct contrast to demand barking, with Alert Barking, ignoring the behavior is only going to give our dog the impression that the barking is acceptable. In this case, interruption and redirection works well. Many alert barkers naturally enjoy having a job to do, so giving them another task, like going to their place/bed, is often quite effective.
Important Note: Many dog owners want their dog(s) to alert them when someone is around the home. This is completely understandable. This is a type of barking that some owners want their dog to engage in, so I like to teach an off switch if the dogs bark for a very long time and get really worked up. I will check out what is going on around my home and once I know everything is okay, I will give a quiet cue and a task to do, usually go to place/bed.
Reactive Barking - You may have a reactive barker if your dog barks at joggers, bikers, skateboarders, vehicles, or other dogs when out walking on leash. This type of barking is often a direct result of general or leash reactivity. Other common examples of reactive barking include barking at people while the dog is inside a vehicle, or barking at noises such as thunder or fireworks.
Training Method: This type of barking is often the result of a very specific environment and/or stimulus and is often resolved best through desensitization, counterconditioning and creating a positive Conditioned Emotional Response (CER). Use of a correction/interrupter and then providing an alternative task can also be effective if the above-mentioned methods do not work.
Conclusion: When we step back and examine the different types of barking, we can begin to see that various types of barks are a result of very different causes, stemming from different triggers and emotional states. It’s very important to keep in mind that barking is one of the most self-rewarding behaviors that dogs engage in. It takes time, dedication, consistency and patience to eliminate, especially if a dog has been practicing it for quite some time and getting rewarded (either through self-reward or inadvertently by his/her humans). Because barking is so self-rewarding, one of the first steps we should take is to proactively set our dogs up for success by eliminating opportunities for them to practice the behavior. A combination of environmental management and training is often the key to long-lasting effects when it comes to eliminating nuisance barking.
If your dog is engaging in nuisance barking, let us know! We can help you identify the type (or types) of barking your dog is engaging in and identify the best method(s) to help eliminate it. We can also help set up controlled conditions to help you practice training methods with your dog. We strive to reduce barking by understanding the underlying reasons for the behavior and coming up with a customized solution for successful results!
