A dog will not stop barking if a human response reinforces this behavior. This article explains what to do with it.
Genetics has a big part in whether a dog is, for example, predisposed to territorial and therefore basically barking. A dog will not stop barking if the human reaction confirms it to be vocal.
In the course of domestication, our dogs have developed from wolves with an enormous range of facial expressions to domestic dogs with impoverished facial expressions, but with an enormous repertoire of sounds. This was done based on predominantly verbal communication among people. The fact that dogs bark is very likely due to a former watch function.
Intolerance Is Not Conducive
If at all possible dogs should bark little or not bark at all. Because nothing is more intolerable than an environment with barking dogs. This intolerability puts enormous pressure on the dog owner and dog. Dog training requires all too often dealing with the subject of (too much) barking and annoyed neighbors.
Unrealistic ideas create additional tension like wanting the dog to be completely silent when visitors came. The warning function is perceived as annoying. Why do dogs keep barking even though people scold them? That’s a common question.
On the one hand, it is in the nature of the dog to report at least worrying or unusual things. But there will surely be a reaction and pressure from neighbors. Negative attention, such as being reprimanded, can also serve as an amplifier. So, instead of scolding, we dog people should focus much more on the desired behavior.
What should the dog owners do instead? “Off, ugh, sit, rest, no …” – everything goes unheard. The unruly dog just keeps barking. This is because he doesn’t know what else to do! If he finally stops, one thing will certainly not come from the annoyed person: Praise where it is needed.
Reward Alternative Behavior
Between the first bark warning or announcing something and the stressful hysterical barking, an alternative behavior should be executed depending on the type of dog. As a reward for announcing, the dog should be allowed to take his stuffed animal and bring it to the visitor. An active herding dog on the one hand should be asked to find his ball to play catch.
What should the dog do after the warning of a mailman, guests, activity in the neighboring garden, etc., instead of barking all the time? Better still: What kind of management measure is required to prevent continuous barking in the first place? Plush toys, balls, and treats should always be ready, for example. This shows the dog that: You are okay if you bark briefly, then let’s do something fun together!
