Problem Barking.

Dogs will be dogs, and most dogs will bark, whine and howl at times - it's only natural. Dogs vocalize to communicate with humans and to express themselves. Sometimes we want our dogs to bark in order to warn us about potential danger or protect us from harm. However, excessive dog barking can be considered a behavior problem. What is the solution? Well, your dog needs to understand when to bark and when to be quiet, and it's your job to teach this to her. Start working on problem barking as soon as you can. The longer you wait, the harder it gets to curb the behavior.

Why Dogs Bark
It is important to understand that dogs bark for various reasons. They do not bark just to annoy you and your neighbors, nor do they bark for spite or revenge. Dogs don't bark just because they can (though it might seem that way at times). Certain dog breeds bark more than others - some types of dogs were actually bred to be barkers. Then again, the Basenji does not bark at all (though the breed can vocalize in other ways). If you listen closely, you will eventually learn your dog's different barks. Understanding the reason why your dog barks is the first step towards controlling the behavior. In general, dogs will most commonly bark for the following reasons:

• Warning/Alert: It is natural for a dog to bark when someone is a the door or when strangers pass the house or car. Many will bark if they sense some type of threat, proclaiming "I'm here protecting this place so don't mess with me." The sound of this bark is usually sharp, loud and authoritative. Honing this instinct with training can help protect your home and family.
• Anxiety: Anxious barking often seems to be an an act of self-soothing for many dogs. It is often high-pitched and sometimes accompanied by whining. This type of barking is common for dogs with separation anxiety.
• Playfulness/Excitement: This type of barking is especially common in puppies and young dogs. Many dogs will bark while playing with people or other dogs. Even the sound of the bark tends to sound upbeat and possibly musical. Some dogs will bark excitedly when they know they are about to go for a walk or car ride.
• Attention-seeking: When you hear this bark, you will usually know just what it means. This bark says "Hey! Hey! Look! Here I am!" Other dogs may whine and bark together to get attention, almost like the tone of a whining child.
• Boredom: The bark of a bored dog sounds like a dog that barks just to hear her own voice. Though it tends to be annoying, it is also kind of sad. Bored dogs often bark to release excess energy, and sometimes bark out of loneliness. They usually need an activity and perhaps even a companion.
• Responding to Other Dogs: This is probably a familiar scenario - one dog down the street starts barking, and one by one the rest of your block joins in.
  
  Prevent and Stop Excessive Barking.
  Once you determine the cause of your dog's excessive barking, you can begin to control the behavior. The best way to prevent excessive barking in the first place is to try and remove any potential sources of the behavior. You also want to be certain not to inadvertently encourage the barking. Finally, give her better things to do besides barking.
  
  Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise so there is not as much pent-up energy to burn by barking. Whether your dog is large or small they all need exercising. This doesn't mean throwing a ball in your backyard for 30 minutes. Take your dog out for long walks, practice off lead training if your dog isn't already used to it, throw balls (KONG do great balls in all sizes, from sizes XS to L), play hide & seek, there are plently of games and things you can do to tire a dog out.
  Remember ALL dogs need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise.
  
  Never comfort, pet, hug or feed your dog when she is barking for attention or out of anxiety - that would be rewarding the behavior, thus encouraging it. Also never punish the dog because they also see this as getting attention, ALWAYS ignore it even if it is getting you worked up. (If you feel yourself getting angry or stressed, remove yourself from the situation, calm down and return to the situation with a clear mind.)
  
  Shouting at your dog to stop barking does not help. It may actually cause her to bark even more, this is because the dog actually thinks you are joining in and will cause the barking to become louder and longer.
  
  Try to get her attention with a clap or whistle. Once she is quiet, redirect her attention to something productive and rewarding - like a toy or treat. After getting your dog's attention, practice basic commands, like sit and down in order to shift her focus.
  When rewarding a dog for their quiet behaviour, wait 3 seconds THEN treat. If they bark during that 3 seconds wait 3 more and keep going till they are quiet. Once they have been quiet say the command of either 'Shh', 'Quiet' or whatever you choose. Be firm and authorative, just because you have a small yorkie or chihuahua they dont need to be spoken to like a baby, they need as much rules and boundrys as a large dog, if not more.
  
  Teach the commend: 'Speak' and 'Quiet'.
  Go here, to find out how to teach the commands: http://dogs.about.com/od/basiccommands/ht/speakquiet.htm
  
  Barking at other dogs on walks.
  This small part is dedicated to Lorraine Daborn and her Chihuahua, Kizzie.
  
  I know how frustrating dogs can be when they bark at other dogs because Lily, My 2 year old Chihuahua/Terrier mix is the exact same.
  
  When you go for walks, bring a small bag of treats with you in your pocket. When you see another dog coming, RELAX. Don't tighten your hold on the leash, shorten the leash or even act nervous. Your dog will be able to feel you tense up. I know you're going to be worried thinking "oh no, here it comes" but don't even think about it, your dog will know how you are feeling which because you feel anxiety yourself your dog will automatically think 'OMG, what is happening' then thats when the 'BARK, BARK, BARK' will come. Roll your shoulders back and forth, take a deep breath.
  A very wonderful woman once told me to focus of a point beyond the situation, focus on your own energy (think positive, dont think BARK), tried this and it honestly does help calm the nerves.
  
  When your dog detects the other dog (not before, and not after she has gone into the barking fit) this is when you must take action. Get her attention as quickly as you can. Basically, you need to break her mind off that "mental state" where she is fixated on the other dog. You can try getting her attention by waving the treats in her face, by making high-pitched noises and jumping up and down, by saying her name, or anything that works. (You'll look pretty stupid, but just do whatever you're prepared to do.)
  
  The MINUTE she looks to you, give her the treat, pet and praise. Then, immediately turn and walk away from the other dog. Don't bring her any closer.
  
  Gradually, you will be able to decrease the distance from which the dog is to you before your dog starts going nuts.
  
  NEVER force your dog into the situation. Another useful thing to do is if your dog spots another dog turn around STRAIGHT AWAY and walk away from the dog and keep walking till she stops barking the minute she quiets down say 'quiet' and walk the way of the dog.
  If your dog does manage to meet a dog without reactive make the introducing short and sweet. A quick sniff then 'GO' and say good girl and give LOTS of praise but remember, NEVER praise your dog if she hasn't done what you want from her.
  
  Another thing i can't recommend enough is the Halti head collar. If Lily doesnt wear hers when meeting other dogs she goes nuts and is so anxious she just barks. They fit dogs as small as a chihuahua up to a great dane.
  Your dog may resist it to start with but he/she will certainly get used to it, i wont walk Lily without one. They are absolutely fanstastic and definitely calm the dog down.
  Probably the best £10 I have EVER spent on Lily, I will continue to use these of every dog I have, especially Chihuahua's.
  To read more go to the link below&also to buy one:
  http://www.companyofanimals.co.uk/products/dog-training-and-accessories/stop-pulling/halti-headcollar