What To Do About Barking: An Interview With Nick Franco | Pupford

INTRODUCTION OF HANDLING A BARKING DOG

Barking can be extremely frustrating and bothersome for people around you. In this episode, we’ll discuss why dogs bark and what we can do about it!

INTRODUCTION OF NICK

In Nick’s words, he is an animal addict on a journey to learn everything he can about pet behavior, nutrition, and products so that he can spread the word and improve the lives of as many pets as he possibly can.

Connect with Nick via his website here: https://www.hypawthesis.com/

Connect with Nick on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/hypawthesis/

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OVERVIEW OF WHAT TO DO ABOUT BARKING

FIRST THINGS FIRST… WHY DO DOGS BARK? (starts around 2:35)

• To put it simply, dogs bark because it is incredibly effective
• Barking gives them what they want so they will repeat that over and over
• They use it as a tool to get what they want

ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BARKING? (starts around 4:20) 

• Yes, there are tons of different types of barks
• You’ll want to know why your dog is barking, but it is most important to figure out what they are barking at

SHOULD WE APPROACH ALL BARKING THE SAME WAY? (starts around 5:42)

• You will hear different opinions depending on who you are talking to
• Dogs are barking because there is a stimulus that is causing them to bark
• When you find out what it is your dog was barking at, you will solve the problem the same way
• Set up a situation where your dog can be successful at not barking at that thing, then reward
• Ie. if they bark at other dogs, reward them when a dog appears in their sight from a long distance or low intensity so that they won’t make a mistake

WHY DOES DISTANCE MATTER? (starts around 8:13) 

• So that your dog doesn’t feel overloaded
• Intensity or distance of stimulus is SO important because you want your dog to succeed
• Starting from a further distance you will be able to start reinforcing and rewarding your dog for being in the presence of another dog (or trigger) without barking
• Slowly, you can start trying when they get closer and closer, and overload the dog until they can walk by and not have any reaction
• Know when to take a step back

HOW DO YOU COMBAT EXCESSIVE BARKING? (starts around 11:56) 

• Understanding our dog’s body language can help us see when they are about to bark or if they are getting overwhelmed during barking training
• It can be a long process, and this is where it depends WHAT your dog is barking at to know how long this could take
• Constantly find the good and remember to reward good behaviors
• Be consistent in your training and go at your dog’s pace

WHAT CAN WE DO TO HUMANELY DECREASE BARKING? (starts around 19:46) 

• Gather alternate behaviors
• Use the PLACE behavior
• When you are in the presence of a stimulus, ‘YES’ and treat any good alternate behavior
• Reinforce any good behavior
• Teach them to settle

WHAT SHOULD WE NOT DO TO DECREASE BARKING? (starts around 23:30) 

• You do not want to go at your pace
• Don’t punish your dog, this will set them up for failure
• Don’t get too caught up on teaching your dog too many behaviors at once

RECAP OF WHAT TO DO WITH A BARKING DOG

Barking, although a natural part of a dog’s life, can be minimized through proper training and alternative behaviors. Remember that patience and consistency are key to training a dog not to bark.

If your dog seems overly stressed and just can't seem to calm down, check out our Calming Supplement for Puppies. This supplement has been formulated with Chamomile, Valerian Root, Passionflower, Ginger Root, Magnesium and L-Theanine that combine to produce a calming effect that in theory will produce a relaxation response. Shop here. 

For more in-depth training resources be sure to check out the Barking Solutions Course, part of Pupford Academy Plus!