Why your dog barks

Alarm Something has startled your dog – it has probably heard or seen something unfamiliar. Better alert the pack! (as in: you)

Why your dog barks

Territory If someone or something intrudes a dog’s territory, barking or even attacking is the logical consequence. Such an invader could be an actual attacker or robber, but is probably just the neighbor or your guest.

Why your dog barks

Protection When you or your dog are attacked by an unknown threat (like…a passing car?), your dog will defend you. This will be aggressive barking at first, and maybe even physical attacks.

Why your dog barksHappiness Dogs often bark to greet you, maybe even jump around. Same when playing – it’s just their way of showing joy.

Why your dog barksAttention If a dog wants something, they only can tell you this by barking. They could be hungry or thirsty, want to play with you or maybe want to take a walk.

Why your dog won‘t listen As you might have noticed, dogs don’t speak “human”.

Why your dog won‘t listen To make your dog listen, you first need to establish your role as the leader of the pack, the alpha dog. Learn more about this in my article here.

The second stage in dog training is establishing rules and teaching commands.

How to establish rules for barkingTo control a dog, they need to understand what you are saying.

As they don’t speak “human”, you’ll have to train them!

Good thing that German Shepherds are fast learners, right?

How to establish rules for barking

To stop your dog from barking, you will need a command first. Don’t just use “stop” though, as stop can mean different things. That makes learning just more complicated!

How to establish rules for barking

Let’s use “quiet” as a command. Whenever your dog barks, simply say “quiet”. But remember to be the alpha dog – don’t ask, command! You need a firm, strong voice with a commanding tone. Make eye contact. But don’t shout! Don’t “lose control”, leaders are always in control. (your dog just isn’t listening yet)

How to establish rules for barking

If your dog won’t stop, you can try (gently) closing it’s mouth. Or just tap it.

How to establish rules for barking

You can also add visual cues – like a gesture of a closing mouth, or a “shh!”. Combining the acoustic with a visual command can assist the learning process, and enables you to use a silent “command”, too!

How to establish rules for barking

Now the important part: Teaching doesn’t work without a reward. Only by rewarding the right behaviour can your dog learn what you want it to do!

This can be petting or a treat, anything your dog understands as “good”. A new toy is not a good reward by the way.

How to establish rules for barking

Even with these rules in place, it will take time until your dog stops barking excessively.

Important: AlWAYS enforce the rules. No exceptions.

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