Growling is associated with fearful or
assertive displays. Whenever growling or barking is successful at achieving the pet's
goals, the dog feels rewarded. Subsequently, the growling will likely become more frequent
or intense.
Medical problems can contribute to vocalization, and senile changes may lead to barking
problems in older pets. In some cases where barking becomes intense, repetitive, and
difficult to interrupt, it may be deemed compulsive. Pets with medical, geriatric, and
compulsive disorders may benefit from drug therapy along with behavioral retraining
techniques.
Prevention Starts Early
Socializing puppies to a variety of new people, animals, environments, and noises can
reduce anxieties as the dog grows up. Owner control, training, and leadership are also
essential. While young, the dog should learn to spend time playing or relaxing by itself
so that it's not too distressed when it must be left alone.
Correcting Bad Habits
Correcting a barking problem requires an understanding of the situations and stimuli that
initiate barking. Until effective control and leadership is established, training programs
are unlikely to be successful. Once you have effective control over your dog, you can
begin to train it to quiet down when barking begins. Training the dog to stop barking on
command can be accomplished with lure-reward techniques, disruption techniques, or head
halter and leash training.
Begin training sessions with situations that are easily controlled (a family member
knocking at the door) before proceeding to more difficult situations (a stranger coming to
the door). Training a dog to be quiet on command allows it to continue to bark at stimuli
but stop at your request. Rewards are then given for quiet behavior. At each subsequent
training session the dog should remain quiet a little longer before the reward is given.
Teaching a dog to stop all barking in the presence of the stimulus is much more difficult.
To be successful, barking must be interrupted immediately as it begins, and the process
repeated until the dog does not bark at the stimulus (at which time it can be rewarded).
Punishment is generally ineffective in the control and correction of barking problems.
Excessive punishment can increase anxiety and further aggravate the problem, while
insufficient punishment merely rewards the behavior by providing attention. For punishment
to be effective, barking must be disrupted at the instant it begins, using a technique or
device that effectively interrupts the barking. When you are not present as barking
begins, the only solution might be to use bark-activated products. But unless the dog is
also trained to be quiet in the presence of the stimulus, devices will only disrupt, not
eliminate barking habits.
Practical Products
There are several products that may successfully interrupt barking. Owner-activated
devices are often effective at disrupting barking and achieving a quiet response. Devices
include ultrasonic trainers, audible alarms, water sprayers, and shake cans (empty soda
can with coins or pebbles sealed inside).
Bark activated products are often the most practical means of deterring inappropriate
barking, and may be a better choice than owner-activated devices since they ensure
immediate and accurate timing. They are also effective in training the dog to stop barking
in selected areas. Off-collar, bark-activated alarms or water sprayers are useful for
training the dog to cease barking in specific locations. Bark-activated collars are
practical when barking does not occur in a single, specific location. Audible and
ultrasonic collars are occasionally effective but seldom a reliable deterrent.
Citronella-spraying collars are effective with most dogs. Electronic shock collars are a
final option. Since they have the potential for injury or abuse, discuss this option with
your veterinarian.
As soon as the barking ceases, take the opportunity to direct the dog into appropriate
behavior, such as play, so the problem diminishes over time.
Courtesy: healthypet.com
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