Avoid Punishment When Addressing Excessive Barking In Dogs

It's important to avoid punishment when addressing excessive barking in dogs. Never use hitting, yelling, or throwing things, shock, citronella, or other "bark" collars, prong or choke collars. These techniques use punishment to create a negative association between the unwanted behavior and an unpleasant or painful response, which can create fear and aggression in your dog, erode the bond between you and your dog, and lead to your dog not trusting you. Furthermore, these techniques often do not resolve the problem, as your dog learns to avoid doing the behavior in your presence but is not learning what to do instead.

If your dog's barking is due to fear or separation anxiety, veterinary treatment may be necessary to address the underlying problem. Working with a professional trainer who uses only positive reinforcement and force-free training methods can also be helpful if you are struggling to change your dog's barking behaviors. Never use a trainer that punishes or causes pain or fear in your dog.

If you have any concerns about your pet's health and/or behavior, make an appointment with an veterinary clinic near me Marion, IA area.