Dogs will bark- it's only natural. Sometimes we want our dogs to bark in order to warn us about danger or to protect us from harm. However, excessive dog barking is a behaviour problem. Your dog needs to understand when to bark and when to be quiet, and it's you who has to teach this to him/her. Start working on problem barking as soon as you can.

It's a good idea to teach your dog the Bark/No Bark command this is a lot easier to teach after obedience training as with obedience training you will have your dog under control and willing to listen to your commands.

Why Dogs Bark

Dogs bark for various reasons. They do not bark to annoy you or your neighbours, nor do they bark for spite .You will find certain dog breeds bark more than others - indeed some varieties of dog were bred to be barkers. Over time, you will learn your dog's different barks. Knowing the reason why your dog barks is the first step of controlling the behaviour.

Usually, dogs will most commonly bark for the following reasons:

Anxiety:Anxious barking is sometimes an act of self-comforting for many dogs. Usually high-pitched and accompanied by whining. This type of barking is associated with separation anxiety.
Boredom:The bark of a bored dog sounds like a dog that barks just to hear his/her own voice. It is a it is a sad type of bark. Bored dogs will bark to release excess energy, and or out of loneliness. They usually need an activity and perhaps even a companion.
Warning/Alert: It is natural for a dog to bark when someone is at the door or when strangers pass the house or car. Many will bark if they sense some type of threat. This bark is usually sharp, loud and authoritative. Honing this instinct with protection training can help protect your home and family.
Playfulness/Excitement:Common in puppies and young dogs. Dogs will usually bark while playing with people or other dogs. The sound of the bark will be upbeat. Most dogs bark excitedly when they know they are about to go for a walk or car ride.
Responding to Other Dogs:A dog up the street starts barking, and one by one the rest of the dogs living on your street join in.

Prevent and Stop Excessive Barking

Once you can work out the reason of your dog's excessive barking, you can start to control the behaviour.

Have your dog obedience trained; this will make it a lot easier to train your dog the Bark/No Bark command at home, as after the obedience training your dogs attention will be focused on you. Also he/she will start to see you in a different light.

When you get home

1. Make sure your dog gets plenty of walks and exercise this will release any pent-up energy usually used to bark.
2. Do not leave a lonely dog alone for long periods of time if possible.
3. Never comfort, pet, hug or feed your dog when he/she is barking for attention or out of anxiety - you are inadvertently rewarding the behaviour, thus encouraging it.
4. Shouting at your dog to stop barking will not help one bit. It will cause him/her to bark even more as to a dog you are barking back.
5. Do not under any circumstances use shock collars. They are painful and unkind.
6. Get his/her attention with a clap. When he/she is quiet, redirect his/her attention to something productive and rewarding - like a toy or treat.
7. When you get your dog's attention, practice basic commands, like sit, stay, heel and down which you and your dog would have learned on our obedience course this will help shift his/her focus.

Never allow your dog to bark constantly outside, no matter the reason. It is the fastest way to turn neighbours into enemies and send an invitation to your local Garda or Council.