To bark at a stranger is a lovely service to a dog’s owner. To bark at a falling leaf or the setting of the sun is a nuisance. Usually this incessant, barking is because the dog is bored plus is being ignored. It is not trained plus has been allowed to become a problem.

Most towns have laws against barking dogs. It’s againts the law to allow any animal to disturb the peace and quiet of the town’s neighborhood. If you’re the owner of a barking canine or the neighbor of a barking canine, there are steps you can take to keep your neighborhood peaceful.

If you are the dogs owner, it’s easier to train in a good habit than it is to train out a bad habit. So training your dog early on. If the dog barks, while playing or to protest being confined, command him very firm to be quiet. Tell him “no” and lightly but firmly hold his muzzle shut to show him what you want.

If this doesn’t work and it looks as if the dog is going to continue his bad habit, get close enough to him while he is barking to squirt him in the face with a fine stream of water from your garden hose. Don’t use too strong a stream, for you do not want to injure the dog. If he is startled enough, he will give up the barking.

The longer you let your dog get away with bad habits only makes it that much harder to stop. So try to give your dog a little training time each day. Never leave your dog tied up all the time.

Your dog may not like being tied at all, and he will bark as soon as you leave home. If this is the case, tie him where you want to keep him. You may have to leave your home and drive around the block or even park half a block away and walk home. If you find the dog barking, startle him with a loud noise and command no!

A dog barking while confined in the house can also be a nuisance. If the dog barks in the house, set up a situation to make him think you have left. When he begins to bark, go back end tell him no. You might need to bang on the door or startle him.

After you have tried this idea, take the dog outside or untie him and play with him for a bit. Then bring him back and try the procedure again. If you keep your dog in a kennel, and he barks, startle him by hitting the top of the crate or doghouse. Don’t forget to give the command “no” right after scaring him.

Most dogs will bark if they get bored and the breed makes no difference. Your dog’s bad habits can be changed but a dog will not keep barking if he has been made uncomfortable.

The most vital thing to keep in mind is to try to keep your pet from starting bad habits in the first place. Try and pay attention to him. Your dog is your responsibility to care for, and you must avert him from being a problem to your neighbors.