4 Steps for Training Your Boxer Dog Not to Bark
Almost every dog barks and does so to communicate, boxers included! When dogs are barking they're telling us there is something going on; they're essentially feeling a form of emotion that doesn't always mean their upset.
Dogs will sometimes, or all the time bark from arousal, but other feelings could be related to anxiety, fear and or stress, etc.
Because dogs bark by expressing emotions, it does not mean you should yell at them or punish them; it is a natural evolved behavior.
Rather, you will want to train your dog not to bark in those situations.
Clicker training or saying, for example, the word 'yes' can switch the feared or aroused emotional state to a calm relaxed and happy state thereby eliminating the symptoms such as barking.
Here are four steps to counter condition your boxer dog: 1.
Establish the root cause of your boxers barking.
There may be multiple causes but it is important to identify them and write them down.
2.
After determining the causes of your dogs barking, reinforce the dog during those situations before the dog thinks to bark (it's tricky but you need to think it out and plan ahead).
3.
Interrupt your dog and when they are barking (call them to you, change direction if on a walk) so as it is not reinforced.
4.
Prevent barking when you are not around (leave the TV on if an option; don't allow the dog access to what they usually bark at because otherwise you are not around to correct the behavior).
I hope these tips contribute towards stopping your boxer from constantly barking.
Remember, training your dog in obedience can be a lengthy process, but if your boxer is trained with proper methods and skills and you are consistent, your dog will learn much quicker.
Dogs will sometimes, or all the time bark from arousal, but other feelings could be related to anxiety, fear and or stress, etc.
Because dogs bark by expressing emotions, it does not mean you should yell at them or punish them; it is a natural evolved behavior.
Rather, you will want to train your dog not to bark in those situations.
Clicker training or saying, for example, the word 'yes' can switch the feared or aroused emotional state to a calm relaxed and happy state thereby eliminating the symptoms such as barking.
Here are four steps to counter condition your boxer dog: 1.
Establish the root cause of your boxers barking.
There may be multiple causes but it is important to identify them and write them down.
2.
After determining the causes of your dogs barking, reinforce the dog during those situations before the dog thinks to bark (it's tricky but you need to think it out and plan ahead).
3.
Interrupt your dog and when they are barking (call them to you, change direction if on a walk) so as it is not reinforced.
4.
Prevent barking when you are not around (leave the TV on if an option; don't allow the dog access to what they usually bark at because otherwise you are not around to correct the behavior).
I hope these tips contribute towards stopping your boxer from constantly barking.
Remember, training your dog in obedience can be a lengthy process, but if your boxer is trained with proper methods and skills and you are consistent, your dog will learn much quicker.