How To Stop An Afghan Hound Barking
The Afghan Hound is a noble breed and even their appearance is elegant. Breed characteristics include athletic, slender, ability to run, jump easily, tall, and slender. The breed tends to be shier than some, so early socialization with lots of people and other animals is crucial. Afghan’s adult weight is about 50 to 60 pounds, so they are considered a larger breed. They have long flowing hair that needs regular grooming to prevent matting.
Afghan dogs and puppies can become bored very easily, and when they do, they can become destructive and bark. Additionally, if the dog is not properly socialized, he can become aloof with people and thereby bark a lot at strangers. Because the Afghan is not a tiny dog, their barks are loud and can become annoying quickly. Teaching a dog, or puppy not to bark is obviously not the goal; the goal is teaching the dog not to bark excessively. Dogs will bark, and some breeds are more prone to bark a lot, but thankfully, the Afghan is an intelligent dog that catches on fast.
First, determine when your dog barks excessively, is it at neighbors, when someone knocks on the door, or when he hears a specific noise? Obviously, you want your dog to bark to alarm you of an intruder, but not necessarily bark when your neighbor pulls up. Yelling at the dog to shut up only fuels the fire because you give him attention to the behavior and your dog might think you are barking right along with him!
Never treat your dog while they are barking excessively. For instance, your Afghan is barking at the neighbor, and you want him to be quiet, so you let the dog in the house and offer a treat. This just reinforced the barking behavior in the dog’s mind; he gets a treat when he continues barking!
Desensitizing your dog to the noise that is causing his barking is the second step. If your dog barks excessively when someone knocks on the front door, this is a good place to begin:
* Have your friend go outside while you relax on the chair or sofa comfortably with a bag of treats
* Your friend knocks on the door or rings the bell and then goes away from the door – instantly your Afghan begins barking excessively
* Take your dog to the door and open it he sees that no one is there
* Continue doing this process of having your friend knock on the door and go away, every time your dog ceases to bark, praise him and give him a treat
What happens after several times of continually knocking on the door and showing the dog no one is there it begins to desensitize him from the actual knocking. Continue giving treats when he does not bark and praise.
Soon, your Afghan gets the idea that barking does not get him a treat. Once he repeated shows he is not barking at the door but more interested in the treats, try having your friend stay at the door when they knock on it. Then as before, bring your dog or puppy to the door. It may take several tries depending on the dog’s age, but desensitizing him is the best way to sop excessive barking.