Dogs want your full attention because they love you, and/or they need something, or they have anxiety. With some dogs they simply don’t understand that barking to get your attention is an unwanted behaviour. How else do they tell you; they don’t speak human. So, it is for us to train your dog to meet you in the middle with new communication techniques and to have controlled barking. Remember that barking is natural to a dog, even if it does seem irritating at times.
For training your dog to stop barking for attention we have a number of old and new techniques which can be used. Some of the techniques may not be practical for you? Others may not work as well as hoped with your dog. Not all training techniques work with all dogs, for many different reasons, including personalities, anxiety, etc. Below are some techniques to try.
TURN AWAY TECHNIQUE
- You need to be standing for this technique. When your dog starts barking for attention turn around, so your back is facing him/her (make sure it is safe to do so first, don’t put yourself or your dog in danger).
- Do not give eye contact, say anything, and just turn your back on him/her.
- Do not turn back around to face your dog until he/she has stopped barking. If your dog tries to come around to face you while still barking, do not give eye contact, and quickly turn your back again. Keep doing this until your dog stops barking (note: this could be a long time, so you need a lot of patience)
- If after a while you dog is not giving in barking and you are constantly turning around, you can try moving to another location, however you need to not give in. You need to give no attention, keep your back to the dog, and certainly not make eye contact. Being truthful, this could go on for quite some time. Be patient, eventually your dog will give in barking.
- Once your dog stops barking, turn around to face him, go down to his level and give him rewards and a big fuss. He/she has done exactly what you wanted your dog to do. Your dog will learn this. However, you need to understand that it can take up to 20-30 repetitions for your dog to truly get it, but all dogs are different, some learn quicker than others. Make sure you are consistent. Even one break of not following this technique can send you and your dog right back to the beginning.
REMOVAL TECHNIQUE
- You need to be indoors for this to work. Best to avoid if your dog is suffering from anxiety and/or separation stress.
- Your dog is barking for attention, get your dog to follow you out of the room, or put your dog on the leash, and lead them out of the room. Take them into another room which won’t disturb you, or your neighbours. However, you need to be able to hear your dog a little.
- Once your dog has stopped barking, do not go to him/her immediately. You need to leave it for a couple of minutes. Now go to release your dog from the other room. However, upon hearing your approach, or door opening, your dog may start barking once again. If this happens, wait until your dog stops barking, and leave it for a couple of minutes before attempting to release him/her from the room.
- Note that it can take a while for this technique to work. However, your dog will eventually realise that barking for attention does not get him/her anything, so your dog will simply give up. But it can take a long time, so you need to carry on, and not give in. Be consistent. Any break in this routine and you and the dog are right back at the beginning.
- Do not reward your dog when releasing from the room. There are no rewards with this technique. Removal from you and your environment is the result of your dog’s unwanted behaviour.
QUIET COMMAND – SITTING DOWN
- You need to be sitting for this to work. Your dog is barking for attention. Ignore your dog (all in the room must do exactly the same for this to work). Do not make eye contact. Try not to speak. Do not tell your dog off. Remain quietly sitting.
- Once your dog stops barking (which can vary in time, and even go above 15 minutes) Give the command ‘quiet’ and reward your dog with a treat and a bit of a fuss for doing as you wanted him/her to do.
- Keep practicing this technique, being consistent. Eventually your pet will understand that he gets a reward when he stops barking, so the time taken for him to stop barking will reduce.
- Once your dog stops barking within 30 seconds, and you feel confident that your dog is understanding that when he/she stops barking your dog gets a treat reward, you can move on to the next stage.
- Now try issuing the command ‘quiet’ and see if your dog stops barking. If he/she does, reward your dog. If not take a step back as your dog is not yet ready. It takes time. But eventually your dog will stop barking upon your command.
