If you have a dog that barks constantly for attention, what you need to do is stop giving the dog attention!
Important Points
Attention barking is exactly that – your dog is barking at you to get your attention.
If you do any of the following when your dog barks
- speak to your dog
- make eye contact with your dog
- touch your dog
- give your dog what he wants
- take your dog for a walk
- or even give him his dinner
…then you reinforce the barking, make it worse and it will continue. You must NOT do any of the above!
Giving your dog attention may stop short term barking, but it will not rectify the problem long term. By giving your dog any type of attention while they are barking, you are actually making the problem worse.
BUT, not all barking is bad
There are a few occasions when barking is a good thing.
1. Your dog needs to go outside to relieve itself
2. Something is up and you should go investigate
There are not many more. Obviously dogs will bark if they see or hear something strange and alert you, but dogs should not be barking orders at you.
The Solution
1. Make sure nothing is up and your dog does not have to relieve itself
2. IGNORE. No touching, eye contact or speaking to the dog. Continue to do this as long as you can remain calm
3. Isolate your dog calmly without a word. For example, crate if you use one or put them in another room
4. Let your dog out only when he or she is silent and has been for 30 seconds or more
5. Repeat step 4 if necessary
6. If your dog continues to bark, then increase the time you isolate them if need be
Your dog may take a little while to get the message, but if you’re calm and patient and consistent, then your dog will eventually get it.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact me.