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Dogs bark and vocalize, it's natural.
Some more or less than others. A rare few don't bark at all. Some have unique vocalizations, almost all dogs whine at some point.
Dogs bark for a variety of reasons, at a variety of times, for varying lengths of time, and at different levels of intensity.
We first need to determine WHY our pup is vocalizing at any given moment to address it appropriately.
We address barking in 2 different ways, but we can use different methods as well.
When they're barking at stimuli:
1) Get your pups focus
2) Offer something more exciting/rewarding
3) Ask for a sit, down, stay, touch, or any other known cue- repeatedly
4) Remove distraction OR remove pup from the ability to see/hear distraction
*Can use white noise machine, TV on medium or entice to go for a walk
*Adding more exercise can be beneficial
*Playing tug of war or fetch can be a good distraction
*Increase the value of the treat/reward until the desired effect
Barking for attention:
Pups sometimes learn that barking at us for food or attention gets them what they want.
They will only repeat this habit if it is being reinforced or rewarded- which we can be doing inadvertently!
Ways we can STOP reinforcing this behavior- we disengage by:
NOT looking at
NOT talking to (Ex: Saying "Quiet!" or "No!")
NOT touching
NOT giving them whatever it is they're demanding at that moment. See the post about demanding behaviors HERE.
We can also turn around, and do a 180!
As soon as they are quiet, you can interact with them again and ask for a sit, recall, or touch
If the barking continues, repeat this process!
You can use the touch or recall cue to get them to stop barking momentarily- this is your moment to offer an alternative toy, behavior, or activity!
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