Advice For Handling A Constant Dog Barking

All dogs bark for a variety of reason and some can include attempting to warn their owner of trouble, or to express some sort of pain or fright. Other times, constant barking can be considered negative behavior as far as we humans are concerned. Dogs in this category are trying to be menacing or simply trying to gain attention.

Although dogs bark for a number of reasons, a constantly barking dog is considered by dog owners and neighbors to be a nuisance and there may come a time when some extreme measures need to be employed to control a constantly barking dog.

Dog trainers generally agree that the best method of controlling a constantly barking dog is to use a traditional reward and reprimand system. These systems are much more humane and teach the dog to only bark at the appropriate times.

Still another method to control constant dog barking is to opt for an electronic "bark collar". These collars contain an electric device that delivers a small shock to the dog when it attempts to bark. This shock will not harm the dog but merely startles the dog. The idea is that eventually the dog will associate the shock with his barking and will stop.

The problems with these systems are many, however. Some dogs simply don't learn that the barking is the cause of the negative stimulus, and they will continue to bark despite the discomfort it causes. Particularly furry dogs may not even feel the shock or activate the device because its metal points must contact the skin directly in order to deliver the shock. More often then not, the collar itself is not enough and must be backed up with training anyway.

If you do use a bark collar, only use it for short periods and not an extended period of time.

Many people consider the idea of employing a bark collar to be cruel to the dog. While this may be a matter of opinion, these collars emit only a slight shock and will not cause harm to the dog if used over a short period of time.

Still another type of collar is called a citronella collar which emits a mist of citronella to the nose of the dog when the dog barks. Dogs hate the smell of citronella and many will soon associate the negative smell with their constant barking. Citronella collars have a similar success rate of the electronic kind, but are a bit less cruel.

The most extreme method of trying to control a dog who constantly barks is to it undergo de-barking surgery. This procedure entails removing a small fold of tissue from the larynx of the dog, making it unable to bark. Many people find this to be completely unacceptable and inhumane not to mention the dogs bark may return after a few months anyway. Most vets will not recommend this procedure except in extreme cases.

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