How to Stop Your Poodle From Barking
Poodles have often been referred to as a yappy dog. Meaning that poodles tend to bark a lot more than other breeds. The truth is that while some poodles are indeed yappy, others are very quiet and well behaved.
Barking to Gain Attention
All dogs do some barking. They bark as a means of communication with one another and with others. They also bark as a way of getting your attention or getting something they want. If your poodle barks and you instantly bend down and pet him, talk to him, or show him any other kind of attention then you are giving him the message that when he wants something all he has to do is bark. This is the wrong message to send and will result in an excessively barking dog.
If your dog barks to get attention the best thing you can do is to simply walk away from him without even giving him a glance. Go in another room and close the door. Do not give him any attention until the barking stops. Once he stops barking then you can talk to him, pet him, and even give him a treat. Show him that if he is quiet he will get your attention but if he barks he will be ignored. If you are firm and follow through consistently it shouldn’t take too long for him to get the message.
Another method that has proved successful in keeping a dog from barking excessively is by keeping a squirt gun handy and filled with water. When your dog begins to bark, issue the order “Quiet” in a soft but firm voice while at the same time squirting him on the nose. The water will generally shock him into silence at least momentarily. Keep repeating this procedure until your poodle gets the message. Once he understands to associate the word “quiet” with the water spray, the word should be enough to gain his co operation.
The problem in most cases is that the owner wears out before the dog does. Not able to stand the dogs continual barking the owner often gives in sending the poodle the message that if he barks long and loud enough he will get what he wants. While your dogs continuous barking even for a few minutes can be nerve wracking and deafening, putting up with it for a few days while you retrain him maybe necessary.
You might want to invest in some earplugs if the racket is too disquieting. Just remember that suffering a little now will result in a quieter more obedient dog a week or two down the line.
There really is no easy way to retrain a dog that has gotten into the habit of barking. It took some time for him to acquire the habit and it will take some time for him to learn a new behavior. Staying focused and determined and following through with consistency will make the adjustment much easier and faster for both your poodle and you.