I have always loved terriers. Airedales, Westies and even the smaller Yorkies. A terrier has a unique personality all of their own, with one major flaw… A terrier loves to bark! So with every terrier I’ve had over the past 40 years, I’ve always had to train my terriers to stop barking.
Over the years, I’ve tried everything. Shouting, threatening, bribing and even ensuring another dog’s companionship. What did I get? Two barking dogs.
Every dog training guide gives similar, but varied advice on how to accomplish this annoying task and bring peace back into your relationship with your dog. I’ve read many of them, but the best advice I’ve learned is a simple technique of subtle reminders.
First you have to think like a dog. Why am I barking? Was I startled? Do I see pending danger? Do I simply want attention? Once you consider that the dog barking is the only real method of communication the dog has, you have to develop a technique of reminding your dog when it okay to bark and when he should not bark. So, since your dog is really deaf to your shouts, how do you impress this lesson on him?
Dog whistles are a good way to harmlessly remind your dog that his behavior is unacceptable. You have to use it consistently though and unfortunately every dog in a quarter mile radius will also hear it and begin barking themselves. Oh, well, bad idea.
Dog training collars are a rather new method of implementing the dog whistle without the side effects. The tone is only heard by your dog and is a gentle reminder that his behavior is unpleasant. The whistle is triggered by the dog’s own bark making it effective even when you are not around.
When the dog is in the house and you perhaps do not want him to stop barking, for watchdog purposes, leave the collar off. When you are outside, have the collar on as a reminder to keep the barking down. The device can be adapted to you and your dog’s lifestyles.
So to train your terrier to stop barking, begin thinking like your dog and use gentle effective techniques, without frustration and especially without anger. Learn to love your pet and remember, a dog is man’s best friend.
Great post however , I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Kudos!