How To Stop Your Dalmatian From Barking Excessively

Excessive barking like many other negative dog behaviors may be caused for a variety of reasons, mostly human related. If we learn to change our behavior then our pet will change his. If your Dalmatian is barking excessively then he is probably doing so for a reason. The three main causes for excessive dog barking are boredom, lack or socialization, and the need for attention. Let’s take a look at each of these causes and what you can do to ease the situation and thus help to reduce your pets barking.

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Boredom

Dalmatians are extremely energetic and intelligent dogs. They need proper exercise and mental stimulation in order to be happy and well behaved.

Taking your Dalmatian for long walks, rolling or throwing a ball for him to chase and providing him with other physical activities will help. Making sure that he has plenty of interesting toys to play with when you are not home or otherwise occupied also helps. Providing your dog with simple obedience training and other mental stimulation such as puzzle balls will help to occupy his mind. Combining all these things together will keep your dog too busy to be bored and therefore will eliminate boredom barking as he has more attractive activities to occupy his mind.

Lack of Socialization

If your Dalmatian is barking every time someone walks or drives near your home or every time he hears an unfamiliar noise then chances are he lacks proper socialization and is barking either out of fear or curiosity. Making sure that your dog is well socialized to other people and a variety of places and situations will make him far more comfortable when a new situation arises. The more your dog knows of the world the less curious or anxious he will be and the less reason he will have to bark.

Lack of Attention

When your puppy was small and wanted your attention he probably sat or stood before your and yipped or bark and you instantly gave him the attention he sought. In essence you unknowingly trained him to bark when he wanted attention. In order to get him to stop attention barking you are now going to need to teach him that barking will have the opposite effect.

To do this make sure that your dog gets plenty of attention and play time when he is quiet. If he barks to get your attention tell him to “Stop.” If he complies immediately then give him the attention and praise he wants. If he continues to bark, then ignore him by either turning away and avoiding eye contact or immediately leaving the room. When he stops barking, immediately return to the room and give him your attention and praise. It may take several weeks for your Dalmatian to catch on but eventually he will learn that barking won’t get him the attention he craves but silence will.

Keep in mind that a happy, active and mentally involved Dalmatian is less likely to indulge in any negative behaviors. It is up to you to supply him with the things he needs for both his physical and mental stimulation.