Will the Barking Ever Stop ???

Ugh...my neighbor's barking dog is at it again. Bark, bark, bark. On and on it goes. "Will you please STOP BARKING!" Dogs are so noisy, I think to myself. I can't sleep, and now I am mad. It's 1:00 a.m. and the dog has been barking since 8:30 p.m. Can't they hear it? Why don't they control their barking dog? They have got to stop their barking dog! I'll talk to them tomorrow - wait, it is tomorrow. I'll talk to them in a few hours - again.  Dog barking control is on the top of my list for today, that's for sure.

I have gone through this scenerio several times. I live in the country, and it seems as though a few of my neighbors think, just because they live in the country, they can let their dog do whatever it wants. Oh please. When you live in the country there are raccoons, possums, skunks...all sorts of critters that skulk around at night taunting dogs. My neighbor's dog barks at these critters all night. I just wish this particular neighbor would pull up his dog barking control pants and do something. After all, I have aksed him a few times.

I like dogs. Really, I do. I also like to sleep. And when a barking dog prevents me from sleeping I am not too happy. So, what can I do to stop dog barking? How can I stop dog barking? Not much. I decided to do a bit of research to see if there is anything that can be done, asside from talking to my neighbor about his dog - again and again...

Dog Barking Deterants

As it turns out, there are many anti bark devices available. Some of them can be used remotely so you can stop your neighbor's dog from barking. Some may seem a bit inhumane, and some seem, well, I have read they work. I thought I would check them all out.

ULTRASONIC DOG BARKING CONTROL

This bark-stop tool is the perfect solution for controlling the barking of your neighbor's dog. Available in either a hand held or mountable (mount on a tree or fence post) device, it is pointed in the direction of the barking dog. Basically, an ultrasonic bark deterrent uses a high pitched sound to deter barking, which is virtually undetectable to humans. In some cases (some products), this works up to 50 feet away from the barking dog. The device is activated by an internal microphone that picks up the sound of barking. The dog is startled by the sound and associates their constant barking with the unpleasant noise.

DOG BARK COLLARS (aka shock collars)

Some people may feel these anti bark devices are inhumane. Activated by your dog's bark, these collars emit a light static or electronic signal to correct barking behavior. The annoying and unpleasant feel of the signal startles your dog and "teaches" it not to bark.

ANTI-BARK SPRAY (aka spray collars)

Acting as a distraction, anti-bark sprays attach to a special collar and sprays when your dog barks. The bark sensing unit releases a harmless spray whenever your dog barks, and requires no human interaction. I have read some accounts of dogs getting used to the spray, or barking until the spray runs out. I have also read of dogs who dislike the smell of the spray and learn their lesson quickly - their barking has been drasticly decreased. So, I suppose this type of product depends on the dog. Definately worth a try, in my opinion.

So, it appears there are some methods to control dog barking. In my opinion, dog owners need to properly train their dogs so their barking does not interfere with a person's quality of life. Dogs are dogs, and they will bark. But...a well mannered dog goes a long way towards neighborly relations.

What If One Of These Tools Is Not The Best Solution For Your Situation?

Well, if this is the case, then perhaps your dog needs some training to settle the barking habit. Notice I didn't state "stop the barking habit" ? Dogs bark - it's what they do. They bark to protect the household members, they bark when somethin is in - or near - their territory. You can't stop a dog from barking (well, surgically you can, but to me that is too extreme).

You need to determine why the dog barks in the first place and remedy that. Following are a few reasons dogs bark and some recommended solutions to keep peace in the neighborhood:

1. Is your dog left alone for long periods of time? Is there little interaction between you and your dog? It's very simple - spend time with your dog. Companionship is very important to a dog.
   
2. Perhaps there are no toys or other distractions for your dog. Make sure your dog has plenty of things to play with - to keep his mind busy.
   
3. Is your dog a pup? He may not have other outlets for his puppy energy than barking. Make sure (s)he is exercised regularily.
   
4. Breed plays a role in a dog's barking behavior. For example, a Lab and a Schnauzer are workers. They like to have a job. Suggestion: when you return home, (and your dog greets you) get in the habbit of giving your dog something to carry into the house - an umbrella, your gloves...something that won't hurt his teeth. This is a job for your dog.

If you know your dog is a barker, something really should be done to controll the barking. Your neighbors will be very grateful. You dog will be, too.

A Dog Bark Control Tip I Recently Learned:

When you yell at your dog to stop barking (s)he thinks you too are barking and the bark frenzy will continue.  Try a different sound that doesn't resemble a bark, such as a loud "psst:" accompanied with a firm (but painless) tap on the dog's hip or shoulder.  Do this whever the dog barks for no reason and (s)he will soon get the idea not to bark at nothing.