Dogs bark as we humans need our dogs to bark. For years our domestication process and controlled breeding has allowed our dogs to develop their barking capabilities. Wolves don’t bark Barking was further developed in dogs to scare interlopers or to help the master out (i.e. On farms to help in gathering the sheep).
Most dogs simply bark to communicate, to get attention, or just to show their excitement. Coaching and lifestyle are significant factors in teaching the dog how to communicate with its master. If you reward your dog for barking, he'll continue to do so. The nicest thing is to work out what your dog is trying to tell you and go from there.
If you have got a dog that barks unacceptably, try to work out what he is trying to tell you. If it is out of need for attention, the way to break the cycle is to wait for him to be quiet and then give him the attention he wants. By acknowledging the barking, you reinforce it. Waiting till he quiets will teach him that he gets attention when he's not barking.
Some dogs are highly territorial. They will bark at not just a person approaching, but somebody they see walking across the way or on the following block. The simplest way to stop this is to distract him when he starts to bark. Catch his attention with a treat or by playing. Every time the bark cycle is damaged, it sends the message that quiet will get the maximum reward.
Bothering to discover what your dog is communicating will result in less stress for you and him. He will get much needed attention and you'll get quiet. It is a situation you both win.
If all else fails it's possible to get a bark collar for your dog which will help in the coaching. The majority of the time they learn real fast. I have got a collar and put it on my dog and she remembers what will occur if she barks to loud. I do not actually have batteries in it any more.
My Lucy has always enjoyed Dog Training NYC. On their web site they explain more about Tips For Dog Training
