How to stop a dog from barking

[Deeko]

Alright, I've got a bit of a problem.

My neighbor just came down and knocked on my door. She said I have to do something about my dog, he barks all day while I'm away, that's how she knew I was home (he stopped barking). He NEVER barks when I'm here, I had no idea he did this. I also don't know how to stop it, because, again, he doesn't bark when I'm around, so how am I supposed to train him?

Has anyone had experience with this kind of thing? I've heard about "bark collars" and devices that emit noise similar to a dog whistle when they bark, do any of these things actually work? I live in an apartment with neighbors above me and to the side, so just moving his crate won't help much.

I'm not even gone THAT long at a time. I live alone, but I work a mile down the street so I come home for lunch. Its not like he's completely alone for 12 hours a day or anything like that.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Get a bark collar.

 

[bdude]

Leave him in a smaller room and keep the door closed.

If you already do this, instead leave the door open.

 

[ATLien247]

Do you live in a house? Do you have your own fenced yard?

 

[Ramma2]

Had the same problem with our dog, a beagle. Except we live in a house, and the neighbor could still hear him during the day (he worked nights). We bought him a shock collar that shocked him everytime he barked and that shut him up real quick.

 

[Alistar7]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Get a bark collar.

You have two other choices, neither of which will be enjoyable by your pooch. A muzzle, or having a vet slice his chords. The collars work well, and can be removed once you are home.

Thought of a third, but it would be costly and quite a pain in the butt for you. You could take him to a kennel to be lodged during the hours you are not home. Best advantage there goes to your dog. He would get the chance to play with other dogs all day instead of sitting home alone, abandoned by his heartless master... lol j/k.

Don't feel guilty, they have no sense of time. They are just as happy to see if whether you have been gone 12 hours, or just went outside to pick up the mail.

 

[Codewiz]

Only issue I had was that my brilliant english/american bulldog mix figured out that if he barked a whole bunch in 20 seconds, the collar's safety would be tripped so that it would shutdown for 3 minutes.

I had to get a remote trainer with shock option to shut him up.

Hope your dog doesn't have a high tolerance for pain and isn't too smart.

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Get a bark collar.

yep they work great

 

[hiromizu]

Originally posted by: Ramma2
Had the same problem with our dog, a beagle. Except we live in a house, and the neighbor could still hear him during the day (he worked nights). We bought him a shock collar that shocked him everytime he barked and that shut him up real quick.

Yea that sort of worked on my dog except he figured out that he could bark somewhat loud enough to be heard and not get shocked. Dang dog is just too smart. Jack Russell.

 

[Mr Pickles]

shoot it before you leave.

 

[Alistar7]

Originally posted by: hiromizu

Originally posted by: Ramma2
Had the same problem with our dog, a beagle. Except we live in a house, and the neighbor could still hear him during the day (he worked nights). We bought him a shock collar that shocked him everytime he barked and that shut him up real quick.

Yea that sort of worked on my dog except he figured out that he could bark somewhat loud enough to be heard and not get shocked. Dang dog is just too smart. Jack Russell.

Had one of those briefly, they are incredibly smart dogs.

 

[GrantMeThePower]

There is another type of bark collar-it sprays a mild pepper spray on the dog's face rather than an electrical shock.

 

[Rudee]

A girlfriend I lived with in a apartment many years ago had a small dog that used to bark quite a bit and upset the neighbors. She was going to have the dogs vocal chords snipped so she could still keep the dog without the other tenants complaining, I told her it was extremely cruel and thoughtless to have the dogs vocal chords snipped, so we agreed to have the dog put down instead. Problem solved.

 

[Capt Caveman]

You need to work on his separation anxiety. Plenty of info to find via a google search or contacting an animal behaviorist.

Basically, you need to make your dog feel comfortable when you're gone. Plenty of exercise before you leave helps. As a test, leave him and wait outside. See how long it takes him to start barking. If he barks, bang something to hopefully startle him and make him stop.

A citronella collar will be better than a shock collar. Cutting his vocal chords is asinine and not even an option.

 

[Anubis]

you could always trade your dog in for a Basenji they dont bark

 

[RiverDog]

Originally posted by: Alistar7

Originally posted by: hiromizu

Originally posted by: Ramma2
Had the same problem with our dog, a beagle. Except we live in a house, and the neighbor could still hear him during the day (he worked nights). We bought him a shock collar that shocked him everytime he barked and that shut him up real quick.

Yea that sort of worked on my dog except he figured out that he could bark somewhat loud enough to be heard and not get shocked. Dang dog is just too smart. Jack Russell.

Had one of those briefly, they are incredibly smart dogs.

Got one now, smarter then he should be.

 

[hiromizu]

Originally posted by: RiverDog

Originally posted by: Alistar7

Originally posted by: hiromizu

Originally posted by: Ramma2
Had the same problem with our dog, a beagle. Except we live in a house, and the neighbor could still hear him during the day (he worked nights). We bought him a shock collar that shocked him everytime he barked and that shut him up real quick.

Yea that sort of worked on my dog except he figured out that he could bark somewhat loud enough to be heard and not get shocked. Dang dog is just too smart. Jack Russell.

Had one of those briefly, they are incredibly smart dogs.

Got one now, smarter then he should be.

You'd think they're smart enough to shut their mouth if you tell them to but apparently they've outwitted you by then. Fvckin frustrating sometimes. I want my big, dumb, obedient golden retriever back.

 

[rise]

stop leaving cowboy highights running when you leave?

 

[Deeko]

I do not have a yard, no, I live in an apartment.

I just went out and got him a bark collar. I'm also setting up my camcorder to stream online so I can see what he's doing from work, so I can see if/when he barks. Hopefully this does the trick, I got one that does "static correction", I would assume that is a shock. The guy at Petco said that's what he has and it works really well, but that if it doesn't work I can exchange it for the citronella type.

Stupid dog.

 

[cw42]

watch dog whisperer, i've never had a dog but that show is awesome.

 

[OdiN]

Originally posted by: MrLee
shoot it before you leave.

 

[Xavier434]

Your dog is lonely. You could try getting him a playmate.

 

[BornStar]

How old is your dog?

 

[CraKaJaX]

Originally posted by: rise
stop leaving cowboy highights running when you leave?

:laugh:

 

[Agentbolt]

Have you considered savagely beating it every time you ARE home? It'll miss you less when you're gone.