Content
- because dogs bark
- dog bark: meanings
- dog calling attention
- How to make a dog stop barking
- Dog Barking: Methods That Don't Work
- My dog does not stop barking: what to do
THE vocalizationexcessive it is one of the most complicated behavioral problems to treat, however, if you are able to identify the reasons that cause this behavior in your dog, you can learn to manage it, always following the concepts of operant conditioning and applying proper techniques that do not harm. the well-being.
In this article by PeritoAnimal, we will guide you so that you know what to do if there is a dog barking a lot, however, if you are not able to solve this problem yourself, we advise that you consult an expert, such as a veterinarian specializing in ethology, a canine educator or a trainer with experience in behavior modification.
because dogs bark
Dogs are sociable animals that communicate constantly with other living beings and with the environment around them.Ethology, the science that studies the behavior of animals, has revealed in recent years some details about canine body language, better known as "the signs of calm", but it has also been revealed that dogs use a wide range of vocalizations in their social relationships, that can also have multiplesMeanings.
It is important for you to know that the dog's bark is a communication tool, and it is totally normal for him to use it to express emotions, which can be excitement, fear, anger, but that it is also normal to use it to draw attention or as compulsive stress-relieving behavior.
dog bark: meanings
Before starting work on solving the problems of excessive barking, you must learn to correctly interpret the different vocalizations. To know what dog bark means, we show you the key points for you to interpret:
- Bark: Attention-getting barks are usually medium in tone and well-spaced;
- Howl: if the bark turns into a howl, it may indicate loneliness, anxiety and fear;
- Cry: yelps that usually manifest a request for attention due to fear, pain, fatigue, stress or anxiety.
dog calling attention
Puppies can try to get our attention for several reasons: ask for food or attention, alerting about the presence of unknown people and animals, asking to play, among other causes. As a tutor, you must learn to recognize your puppy's needs and concerns, which will help you to determine the cause which is making the dog bark.
Remember that in addition to barking, there are other signs that dogs use to get attention.
How to make a dog stop barking
To solve this dog barking behavioral problem, it can be very helpful. visit an expert in canine behavior, such as a veterinarian specializing in ethology, a canine educator, or a trainer. These professionals can help you find the cause and source of the problem, in addition to offering specific guidelines for your dog's case.
The ideal is to work with positive education, using the following reinforcements and punishments of operant conditioning:
- positive reinforcement: reward the dog with a high value reinforcement for him (food, affection, toys, walks, etc.) when he performs a behavior that pleases you, such as drawing your attention without barking, so that he repeats this behavior and learns more easily. [1]
- negative punishment: remove a pleasant stimulus for the dog (your attention) when he performs a behavior you dislike, in this case, barking.
So to solve this vocalization problem, you must ignore your dog when he barks, but at the same time, you must attend him when he asks for your attention in a calm and silent way. It is very important that you are constant and that the whole family works according to the same guidelines, as this is the only way for the dog to correctly associate the teaching.
Once the dog understands that when he barks he does not receive any response from you, he will stop barking to get your attention and will bet on performing other behaviors, such as approaching silently. This entire procedure is known as the "extinction curve’.
It may happen that you see the dog barking loudly and more intensely when you start ignoring it, however, if you go constant, the extinction will occur successfully, although it may take a little longer. Remember that each case is unique and particular. You must not forget that, in order to maintain proper behavior for the rest of the dog's life, it is necessary continue to reinforce it whenever you are calm and ask for attention in silence.
Dog Barking: Methods That Don't Work
Unfortunately, tutors are common. reprimand or punish the dog for excessive barking, however, it's important to know that when you punish a dog for barking, are paying attention to him, which ruins all the work done with the use of positive reinforcement and negative punishment. Furthermore, it also causes fear, insecurity, confusion and even breaking the bond with the dog.
There are also people who are looking for an easy and quick solution with the use of anti-bark collars, however, the European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology (ESVCE) says the following: [2]
- It is not possible to determine the proper intensity for a specific dog, which can cause the appearance of fear, aggression, phobias and stress. All of this also makes the dog not learn.
- The animal may get used to the pain and continue to bark.
- Because it is a machine, the timing it may be incorrect, which causes negative results.
- There is a risk of abuse when the animal is aggressive.
- There may be an increase in heart rate, physical burns and even skin necrosis.
- Other negative behaviors and behaviors such as stress, snoring or inhibition may appear.
Furthermore, no studies have shown that the anti-bark collar is more effective than the use of positive reinforcement, so we do not recommend the use of this tool.
My dog does not stop barking: what to do
There are some particularly complex cases that will require the supervision of a professional (preferably a veterinarian specializing in ethology) to definitively resolve the problem, as some illnesses or certain behavioral problems can prevent the dog from learning correctly and at a normal pace. An example of this is dogs barking a lot that have sensory deprivation syndrome.
In such cases, it is common to conduct individualized behavior modification sessions, the application of specific guidelines, and even the use of medications, something only a veterinarian can prescribe. So if you are dealing with a particularly complex case or an individual who does not meet the guidelines outlined above, we advise you to consult an expert.
Finally, check out cute and funny dog barks in our YouTube video: