by Jack Pointer

To bark at a stranger is a great service to a dog’s mortal. To bark at a leaf or the setting sun is a nuisance. Ordinarily this continual, superfluous barking is because the dog is uninterested and is unattended. It is not disciplined or trained and has been allowed to become a problem.

Most cities have ordinances against barking dogs. It is unlawful to allow any animal to disturb the peace and quiet of the neighborhood. If you are the owner of a barking dog or the neighbor of a barking dog, there are steps you can take to keep your neighborhood peaceful.

If you are the dogs owner, remember it is always easier to train in a good habit than it is to train out a bad habit. So start your training early. If the dog barks, while playing or to protest being confined, command him very sternly to be quiet. Tell him no and gently but firmly hold his muzzle shut to show him what you want. Remember to teach not to punish.

If this doesn’t work and it looks as if the dog is going to continue his bad habit, get close enough to him while he is barking to squirt him in the face with a fine stream of water from your garden hose. Don’t use too strong a stream, for you do not want to injure the dog. If he is startled enough, he will give up the barking.

The longer the dog gets away with his bad habits makes it harder to correct him. Try to give your dog some training each day. Please never leave your dog tied all the time.

Your dog may not like being tied up, and will bark as soon as you leave home. If this happens, tie him up where you want to keep him. You may have to leave your home and drive around the block or park up the street and walk home. If you find the dog barking, startle him with a big noise and command no!

A dog barking while staying in the house can also be a very annoying. If the dog barks in the house, try and make him think you have left. If he begins to bark again, go back end tell him no. You might have to startle him by thumping on the door.

After you have tried this approach, take the dog outside or untie him and play with him for a while. Then bring him back and repeat the procedure. If you keep your dog in a kennel, and he barks, you may startle him by hitting the top of the doghouse. Remember to give the command no immediately after scaring him.

Most dogs will bark if they get bored and the breed makes no difference. Your dog’s bad habits can be changed but a dog will not keep barking if he has been made uncomfortable.

The most important thing to remember is to try to keep your pet from developing a bad habit in the first place. Pay attention to him. He is your responsibility to care for, and you must prevent him from being a nuisance to your neighbors.

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