How to Stop a Yorkshire Terrier Barking
Barking dogs can be a nuisance for the owner, as well as any neighbors that are within hearing range. While barking is a typical form of communication, excessive barking can become a problem. A Yorkshire Terriers bark is usually a higher pitched bark then a larger breed dog, making it even more abrasive. In order to stop excessive barking, understanding the cause for most barking is very important. A Yorkshire Terrier will bark for many reasons. The average barking is meant to warn their humans that there is something that they view as a possible threat. A person at the door, or a dog walking in front of the house, gives the Yorkshire Terrier call for barking. However, they will also bark to get the attention of their human.
Barking as a warning is good and should not be discouraged, only limited. Constant barking at a door bell can become monotonous, however, barking at unwanted intruders is acceptable. Barking at sirens is also another issue with Yorkshire Terriers. There are many different ways to handle this kind of unnecessary barking. Desensitizing training is a recommended method. To do this, simply find the cause of the barking, for instance, a ringing door bell. Have a helper stand outside the door and ring the door bell once every few seconds. When your dog begins barking, give a sit command. Tell the dog that it is okay in a calm and even tone. This shows the dog that you are not afraid and that it is alright for them to stop giving their warning. Whenever your dog stops barking for a few seconds at a time, reward them with a treat. After several times of repeating this, the dog will begin to become desensitized to the sound of the door bell. Continue to give the dog a treat from time to time when they do not bark when the door bell rings.
There are many different ways to stop barking for attention. Ignoring the pet when they bark is one of the most effective ways. While it can be difficult to ignore a barking Yorkshire Terrier, eventually the dog will fall silent. When they do, give them a treat. If they begin barking again, continue to ignore them. Another technique that works for barking at outside stimuli is the squirt bottle method. Whenever they begin unwanted barking, give the dog a quick squirt with a squirt bottle. They will eventually see that barking for no reason will result in an unpleasant sensation and will modify, or correct, the behavior.
You never want your dog to stop barking altogether. This is one of very few forms of communication that a dog has. Getting control of the unnecessary barking, however, is very important. Knowing the triggers for the behavior can help you find the controls to stopping it. Modifying the barking behavior should be taken care at a young age. Yorkshire Terriers are easier to train as puppies and will be more receptive to the behavioral modifications.