A Barking Dog Can Be Brought to Heel

Although widespread publicity has been generated by dog attacks this year, for most people the canine bark is a bigger problem than the bite.

In Los Angeles alone, more than 5,000 barking-dog complaints are handled annually by the city Department of Animal Regulation.

The city code says it is unlawful for any person in control of a dog to “permit such dog to emit excessive noise.” Barking is deemed excessive, according to a department field supervisor, Jim Connelly, when “it continues past a time reasonably allowed for the dog to act like a dog.”

Workers at dog shelters are all too familiar with the end-of-the-rope look of a citizen turning in a dog because “it barks.”

Causes and Cures

Can excessive barking be cured? Many dog trainers emphatically say yes. But the experts often disagree on the problem’s causes and cures.

Matthew Margolis, author and professional dog trainer, maintains that excessive barking can indicate “aggressiveness, anger, loneliness, playfulness or a demand for something. It is always a means of communication triggered by a state of excitement.”

Improper confinement can lead to barking, experts say. Owners may be making a mistake when they strictly confine a puppy to prevent “toilet accidents” or chewing problems; failure to deal directly with such a difficulty may do little more than cause barking.

Most trainers agree that outside stimuli--children, skateboards, lawn mowers, slamming doors, birds, cats, other dogs--are major factors in barking.

One of the most common owner excuses heard by the Department of Animal Regulation is “he’s barking at the dog next door.” Trainers say there’s a simple remedy: Prevent your dog from seeing the other by, for example, covering a chain link fence with canvas or pliable slats or by moving your pet to another area.

Triggered by Hunger

Hunger may be a trigger. If you are unable to feed the dog when it is likely to become hungry, ask a neighbor to help. Make certain that the dog’s food is not being eaten by squirrels or other animals. A self-feeder, available at most pet shops, can be an aid. Water-dispensing devices also are available.

Many dogs begin to sound off the minute they are left alone. Sometimes the owner is unaware of the behavior until a neighbor complains.

Margolis suggests putting the dog on a leash well in advance of your departure. Do not deviate in any way from your customary departure routine. Leave. Quietly return so the dog is unaware you are back. Wait. Do nothing until the dog goes into a full cycle of barking.

At this point, quickly approach, take hold of the leash, jerk it and shout a firm “No!” The dog probably will be caught off guard and quiet down. Now comes the time for praise, which is considered a reconditioning technique.

This procedure may need to be repeated often. The time you are away should be lengthened so that the dog will not learn it must be quiet for only short periods.

Establish Dominance

There are other tools that can be used--such as a shaker can (a container filled with pebbles) or a water pistol--to startle the pet. These can aid in establishing your dominance and enforcing your demand for obedience. Your dog is a descendant of pack animals, and there will always be a leader--be it him or you; for both your sakes, it had better be you.

Soothing sounds, a radio or tape-recorded music may keep a dog company. Talk-radio stations can be reassuring to a pet that doesn’t like to be left alone.

Sue Myles, a Newport Beach trainer, thinks highly of the dog run as a means of keeping a dog from excessive barking, because it can be located away from noisy distractions and equipped with objects interesting for the pet.

The run preferred by many trainers is bordered by chain-link fencing and has a concrete floor.

Myles also suggests filling a sterilized natural bone with foods such as peanut butter or cheese spreads and leaving it with the dog in addition to one or two toys. The selection of playthings should be rotated so the dog always finds them challenging and interesting--much as a toddler would.

Enterprising Answer

One enterprising California resident used an answering machine to discipline his dog while training him. He left his machine on monitor, phoned home at intervals to distract the pet and warn him not to bark. He later expanded his use of the telephone to provide exercise for the dog--which would race around the house each time it rang.

A few trainers suggest the use of bark-limiting collars. These contain microchips that rest on the neck near the vocal cords and are activated by vibration. The dog receives a mild shock when it barks.

There are drawbacks to this “topical” treatment. The collar is heavy and costly, and the shock cannot be regulated to suit individual dogs. In addition, it provides negative reinforcement, which can easily be overdone, some trainers say.

Positive reinforcement, such as food, is the most valuable method in training an animal, these trainers say. The majority of dog behaviorists agree that a tidbit offered along with gentle words of praise make a dog understand that certain behavior is good.

Consistency is important. Each time the dog is quiet on command, the reward should be there. Soon, only words can be used, and the food stimuli can be removed.

Puppy Buyers

Prospective puppy buyers or adopters should know that a puppy should be socialized at 7 weeks. By that age, it should be handled in the human family’s environment--not left to scamper only among its siblings.

The monks of New Skete, in upper New York state, are famous for breeding and training German shepherds. Members of the religious order bring pups to their table, have them sleep nearby at night and treat them as members of the household from the age of 6 or 7 weeks.

The home environment should be caring, and it should be gentle so the young dog will learn that trait.

In nature, dogs, like wolves, live in packs and usually do not like to be alone. Domesticated, a dog usually transfers his pack instinct to his human family and seems to need to be close. Dog trainers recognize this and suggest leaving articles bearing your scent close to the dog. This will help it feel secure.

It is also recommended that a dog not be deprived of access to the home. A dog door is suggested. If the owner does not want to allow complete freedom inside the home, Myles suggests the addition of a movable wire pen that can be put around the door to restrict the animal.

Size as Factor

It is generally thought that certain breeds are less likely to pose problems. Myles’ experience with Newfoundlands, Great Danes and some of the other large breeds has shown that these dogs usually do not have barking problems. Perhaps their size reduces their anxiety. Most of her problem barkers have been terriers, toy poodles and schnauzers, she says. Their high excitability is considered a factor.

Reputable breeders and pet stores usually give you advice on whether a certain breed is appropriate for you.

Surgical “debarking” is not recommended and, experts say, does not truly mute the dog; the animal still can make some sound when it attempts to bark.

Indeed, many owners want a dog that can bark to signal when danger is present. Many dogs are acquired strictly as watchdogs, but some trainers do not approve of using a dog for this purpose. It is far better to install a security system, they say.

Watchdogs may become targets of violence, and in some cases they may have less defense than a human, experts point out.

In addition, dogs put in yards merely to guard them cause many of the problems reported to authorities. The animals may not become properly socialized and as a result may pose a noise nuisance or even a physical threat to neighbors.