When a small dog won't stop barking at you, it can be frustrating and frightening.It can be a result of things like boredom and attention-seeking behavior.There are ways to teach a small dog to stop barking.
Step 1: Continue to be calm.
Try not to be upset with the dog.The dog can bark at you more if you act these ways around it.Don't run away from the dog, it will bark at you.Stay calm by taking a few deep breaths.Do not look at the dog.The dog may think this is an aggressive sign and bite it.
Step 2: Ignore the barking dog.
It may be hard to ignore a dog that barks at you, but it is the best way to teach it not to bark.The dog learns that barking at you is a way to get what it wants.You should tell the dog that you are ignoring it.Don't make eye contact by turning your body away.Don't say anything to the dog.Don't give the dog too much attention.barking for long periods of time will get the dog what it wants.
Step 3: Don't yell at the dog.
The dog won't stop barking if it's told to be quiet or yelled at.The dog will bark more if you are barking back.If you don't want to yell at the dog, leave the room and go somewhere else.
Step 4: Reward the dog when it stops barking.
Don't ignore the dog once it's finished barking.Praise it and give it a treat so it learns not to bark.Ignore the dog's barking until it stops.The dog learns that barking won't get it what it wants from you.
Step 5: The dog should be trained.
If the dog starts barking, get some treats and hold them so it can see them.When the dog stops barking, give it a treat.Gradually increasing how long the dog has to stay quiet before you give it a treat, you should continue this routine every time it barks.If the dog starts barking again before it gets the treat, take a few steps away from it with the treats and ignore it until it stops.Before giving the dog a treat, make sure to say the command.You will be able to use the command to get the dog to stop barking.
Step 6: If the dog starts barking, distract it with an activity.
Lying in bed, playing tug of war, or just sitting for a treat are some of the activities that can be done.To distract the dog from barking, get it to do something else.A treat can be used to encourage the dog to do something.You could show the dog a treat and then tell it to lie down.You would give the treat if it lies down and stops barking.The dog could be trained to sit for a treat.If it starts barking, you can distract it by telling it to sit.If it sits and stops barking, it will get a treat.
Step 7: You should be patient with your training.
It will take time to train a dog to not bark at you.The dog will get there eventually, if you stay consistent with your training.If the barking persists or you're not sure if you can train the dog, you should reach out to a dog behaviorist.
Step 8: The dog needs to get enough exercise every day.
Small dogs need the same amount of exercise as big dogs.They can develop energy that makes them bark more.The dog is less likely to bark if you give it lots of exercise.The right amount of daily exercise depends on the dog's breed and age, but aim for around 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise 3-4 times a day.Taking the dog for long walks, playing with its favorite toys, and visiting a dog park are all good ways to get the animal more active.
Step 9: If you can give the dog more interactive toys, it will not be bored at home.
Sometimes dogs bark because they are bored.It is possible to prevent the dog from barking out of boredom by leaving it with more interactive toys.Puzzle toys, a KONG with treats inside, and stuffed squeaker toys are good interactive toys for a dog.The dog will chew or play with the toy to get the treat.
Step 10: If the dog is barking, give it what it wants.
Some dogs bark in order to get what they want.If the dog is barking at you for food, a walk, or even just attention, you should ignore it and teach it that barking won't help.Wait until the dog stops barking before you feed it.If the dog barks at you for a walk, don't leash it up.Wait until it calms down and then put its leash on.Ignore the dog if it barks at you.When it stops barking, give it a treat.
Step 11: If the dog barks at you when you get home, don't engage with it.
Dogs bark when their owners come home.To stop this from happening, you'll want to teach the dog that your arrival isn't important.You can do this if you don't act excited to see the dog when you get home.If the dog barks at you when you come through the door, you should ignore it.If the dog has severe anxiety separation that's causing it to bark, you may need to work with a vet or animal behaviorist.They can help you with a treatment plan for your dog.This may require training or medication.
Step 12: Positive reinforcement can be used if the dog is territorial.
If the dog barks at you, you want to teach it to associate your presence with positive things, like treats and toys.When the dog stops barking, praise it and give it a toy or treat.The dog will feel less threatened as time goes on.There are a number of signs a dog is barking because of territorialism.Dogs may become possessive of their owners.Territorial behavior can be caused by this.Territorial behavior may be influenced by poor socialization as puppies and some medical conditions.