What are our dogs are really searching for when they bark? And by knowing that, we can over time get our dogs to stop barking!

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!

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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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

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) 

When you are in the presence of a stimulus, ‘YES’ and treat any good alternate behavior

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

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

Barking, although a natural part of a dog’s life, can be minimized through proper training and alternative behaviors.


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