How To Stop A Cairn Terrier Barking
Excessive barking is an annoying habit that many dogs have. In a Cairn Terrier barking is a common result of boredom or frustration. Fortunately, with good training, a Cairn Terrier’s barking issues can be easily controlled. It will take time,as any training does, but be assured that barking is something that you can control.
Barking is a common reaction of a bored or frustrated Cairn Terrier. Barking is a way to release energy, gives the dog something to do and a great way to get attention. When your dog barks, what is your typical reaction? You probably tell him to be quiet. While you may not realize it, you are reinforcing this bad behavior. You are giving the dog exactly what he wants – attention.
Your dog may also be trying to socialize when he barks. Do you hear other dogs in the neighborhood barking back when your dog barks. You have to remember that barking is your dog’s main way to communicate. If he is not getting proper socialization with other dogs then barking out the window or when he is outside is his own only way of socializing with other dogs.
Commands That Control Barking
One of the best ways to cure barking problems is to change the way you react to the behavior. This is where training comes in. You can control your dog’s barking is to train him to follow simple commands.
Teach your dog to speak on command. It may seem odd to teach him to bark, but if you teach him to only speak when asked, it can go a long way to helping him control his urge to bark. You can also use a clicker to train him to stop barking. Simply click the clicker and say no when he barks. Praise him when he responds correctly to the clicker command.
Training will take time and a lot of patience. You just have to keep at it. Do not give up. Realize that a Cairn Terrier is a breed that is eager to please their owner. When you show them that you are proud of them when they listen, they will be more likely to learn. Avoid the temptation to give up because once you do the dog gains control and you may never get him to listen to commands.
Another Idea
Another thing you should do to help control your dog’s barking is to make sure he is getting enough exercise, play time and socialization. Your dog needs to have some way to entertain himself, too. Make sure he has toys and that he has ways to occupy himself other than barking. It is also a good idea to not leave your dog outside too long alone. Eventually, any dog left outside alone for too long will start barking as a way to get attention and relieve frustration at being left alone.
Barking is important to a dog, but when it gets out of control, it is simply annoying. Controlling your Cairn Terriers barking can be done with proper training and attention. You simply need to be committed to working with your dog, so that he learns how to control his natural instinct to bark.