A dog will bark for many different reasons. A dog will bark to alert you to the approach of an unfamiliar person or to let you know that a burglar has broken into your home. A dog will also bark if he is pain or scared. A dog may bark to intimidate you or your family members, or as a way to get your attention.

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Whatever the reason, we all agree that it can be extremely annoying and seek ways to stop dogs barking. Some owners of dogs that constantly bark are reported for disturbing the peace. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to stop dogs barking for no good reason.

The best way to stop dogs barking is to train your dog when it is appropriate for him to bark. There are several options but the best technique is the proven reward/reprimand method. This method is both humane and effective.

Some dog owners try to circumvent obedience training with the use of an electronic or bark collar. The dog wears the collar, which is activated when the dog barks. When the bark collar gives off a small electronic shock, the dog is taken by surprise. Eventually, your dog will stop barking as he connects discomfort with his barking. In my opinion, bark collars are a cruel way of training dogs to stop barking.

Not all dogs realize that the uncomfortable shock is directly related to their barking; electronic collars should not be used for this reason and many others. Some dogs are able to tolerate the shocks so the barking continues. Also, dogs with thick coats may not feel the electric shock if the prongs on the collar are not in touching the skin. Also, it is rare for barking to be stopped just by using an electronic collar. Normally, the best results are achieved when obedience training is included.

An electronic collar that is set to the correct shock level shouldn’t harm a dog, however many people believe that they can still be dispiriting to dogs. Because of this, some people use citronella collars which operate in a similar way to electronic collars. Citronella collars emit a mist each time the dog barks. The majority of dogs do not like the odor. Eventually, dogs realize that the revolting aroma is produced when they bark, so they stop barking to prevent the smell. The success rate is approximately the same as with electronic collars.

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If used correctly, electronic collars can be useful training tools, however most vets and dog trainers agree that they are no replacement for quality dog obedience training. Obedience training is effective for most dog behavior problems, not just dog barking. It also helps with other dog behavior issues.

Surgery to stop dog barking is a drastic and, in my opinion, barbaric option. Tissue is surgically removed from the larynx to stop dogs from barking. Occasionally, a dog’s bark will come back, making the surgery useless. Thankfully, most vets oppose the surgical method to stop dogs barking.

In conclusion, I hope we have convinced you that obedience training is the best way to stop dogs barking. If you use a shock collar to stop dogs barking, you will also not be woken up when a burglar enters your home. If your dog receives obedience training, he will look after your family but will also know the correct times to bark.

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