Dog owners have been told not to try these methods as they are simply quick fixes
An animal welfare charity has urged pet owners to avoid using certain training methods. Discussing the common issue of barking, the Blue Cross have said that some owners use “quick fixes” and whilst it may stop your dog from barking in the moment, it will not fix the actual problem.
Not only that, but you could cause your dog more pain. In their stark message to all pet owners, they cautioned: “We are against training tools that cause pain and fear in your dog. Items like bark collars seem to offer a ‘quick fix’ but they do not address the cause.
“There is a huge array of ‘tools’ on the market that claim to stop barking in dogs and offer a ‘quick fix’.” These include:
spray or electric shock collarscompressed air spraysrattle cans
The Blue Cross explained that the primary purpose of these tools is to startle, cause discomfort, or frighten a barking dog, teaching it that barking leads to unpleasant consequences. While these devices may seem effective in the short term, the Blue Cross stressed that the reason for this is because the tools suppress barking while in use but fails to address the underlying cause of the behavior, and therefore do not resolve the actual problem.
It warned: “They can also do more harm than good by causing your dog unnecessary stress and even pain. Using devices that punish pets will likely damage the bond between you and can lead to further behaviour problems.”
Why does my dog bark?
If your dog barks at someone in the garden, at the door or if they’re passing by the window, the animal experts have said this behaviour is called ‘alarm barking’.
If this happens, you can try playing fetch. You can also ask them to “go to bed”. This may work as it “removes them from the area that the trigger is coming from and asks them to concentrate on a neutral task that they are already familiar with. Make sure that your dog understands this cue before you begin this training”, it added.
Another idea the experts suggested is recording sounds that trigger barking. This means you can play sounds like the doorbell back to your dog, and eventually, this should help make them less stressed.
You should gradually increase the volume while rewarding them with food if they don’t bark. This is a process known as desensitising or counter conditioning.
My dog barks when I leave him, what should I do?
The Blue Cross stressed to owners that dogs are social creatures that enjoy living as part of a family group. It’s normal for them to feel distressed when left alone for longer than they’re comfortable with – this is known as separation anxiety.
They asked owners to think about how you respond when your dog barks. Do you raise your voice, shout, or scold them? If so, try to stop. Reacting with noise or attention can actually reward your dog, as it gives them exactly what they’re seeking – your attention.
What to do
Try ignoring the barking – at first your dog may continue or get worse but this is perfectly normal. Keep going and eventually they will understand that barking doesn’t get your attention.If waiting silently doesn’t work, calmly ask them to “sit” or “lie down”Only interact with your dog when they are calm
They reminded people: “Some dogs bark because they may be bored. This can vary depending on their breed. For example, a working dog will have a lot of energy and will be looking for more mental stimulation throughout the day.
“If you think this is the case, you may need to look at their daily routine. Increasing their physical and mental exercise can help to occupy their busy minds.”
