Animal welfare charity has warned owners that if they do this, they are probably causing more pain for their dog
The Blue Cross, an animal welfare charity, has urged pet owners to steer clear of certain training methods. Addressing the widespread issue of barking, the experts said that some owners resort to “quick fixes” and whilst these may silence your dog temporarily, they fail to tackle the root cause of the problem.
What’s more, you could be inflicting additional pain on your dog. In their stark warning to all pet owners, the Blue Cross 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 collars, compressed air sprays and rattle cans.
The Blue Cross explained that these tools are primarily designed to startle, create discomfort or frighten a barking dog, conditioning it to associate barking with negative experiences. Whilst such devices might appear to work in the short term, the Blue Cross emphasised that this is because the tools suppress barking during use and does not tackle the underlying reason for the behaviour, and therefore fail to solve the actual issue.
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 and how can I stop it?
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 suggestion from the experts is to record sounds that set off barking. This means you can play noises like the doorbell back to your dog, and over time, this should help make them less anxious. You should slowly turn up the volume while giving them treats if they remain quiet. This is a technique known as desensitising or counter conditioning.
My dog barks when I leave him, what should I do?
The Blue Cross emphasised to owners that dogs are social animals that thrive living as part of a family unit. It’s natural for them to feel upset when left alone for longer than they’re comfortable with – this is known as separation anxiety.
The experts urged 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.”
