Ending Excessive Barking in Small Dogs Without Shock Collars

 

This guide will walk through more positive training methods to curb barking and wean your petite pup off needing a correction collar.

Having a small dog that barks excessively can be frustrating, especially in apartments or condos. 

A "bark collar for small dogs" may seem like an easy solution, but could end up becoming a crutch. 

This guide will walk through more positive training methods to curb barking and wean your petite pup off needing a correction collar.

Determine the Underlying Cause of the Frequent Barking

Boredom and Loneliness Can Prompt Dogs to Bark Frequently When Left Alone

Dogs that are left home alone for extended periods without stimulation may bark frequently due to boredom or loneliness from lack of activity and mental enrichment. Providing engaging toys and scheduling companionship can help curb this behavior.

Territorial Barking Aims to Guard Their Space

Some dogs will exhibit territorial barking behavior by aggressively vocalizing at people or animals who pass by their home. They are trying to "protect" their space. This type of barking should be discouraged.

Attention-Seeking Barking is Often Rewarded by Owners

Dogs quickly learn that barking and vocalizing garners them attention from their owners. If owners unintentionally reward this behavior, it will reinforce the attention-seeking barking. Ignoring unwanted barking helps.

Severe Anxiety or Stress Can Trigger Prolonged Barking Episodes

Dogs suffering from separation anxiety, phobias, or high levels of stress may bark excessively due to their inability to calm themselves when triggered. Reducing anxiety triggers and teaching relaxation methods can help control this vocalization.

Medical Issues Could Underlie Excessive Barking

In some cases, excessive barking can stem from an underlying medical condition or cognitive problems, especially in older dogs. Checking with the vet helps determine if illness is a factor.

Reduce Environmental Triggers That Elicit Frequent Barking

Provide More Physical Exercise and Mental Enrichment

Increasing the amount of daily walks, active playtime, and providing puzzle toys when left alone gives dogs productive physical and mental stimulation.

Consider Providing Companionship During the Day

Having a dog walker take them out for a potty break and socialization midday or allowing them to attend doggy daycare a few days a week can significantly reduce the time they are left home alone.

Teach and Reinforce Settling and Relaxation Cues Through Training

Training impulse control behaviors like Place and Stay as well as reinforcing calmness teaches dogs how to settle and relax themselves when worked up instead of barking.

Utilize Pheromone Diffusers to Emit Calming Chemicals

There are synthetic pheromone diffusers designed specifically for dogs that emit chemicals that have a calming and relaxing effect on dogs. Placing these in rooms your dog spends time in can reduce anxiety.

In Extreme Barking Cases, Consult Your Vet About Anxiety Medications

For dogs with severe separation anxiety or phobias, anti-anxiety medications may be needed under the guidance of a veterinarian to reduce panic and vocalization.

Use Positive Reinforcement to Encourage Quiet Behavior

Reward Natural Calm Behavior with Treats or Play

Notice when your dog is resting or playing quietly without barking, and reward those moments of silence by giving treats, verbal praise, or engaging in play. This reinforces the quiet behavior.

Practice and Reward Commands Incompatible with Barking

Having your dog perform cues that require them to be silent such as Sit, Down, Place, etc. throughout the day and providing rewards for compliance provides reinforcement for calm, quiet behavior instead of barking.

Teach and Reinforce a Verbal “Quiet” Command

Use a simple, consistent hand signal or verbal command meaning “quiet” then provide a reward when they comply by stopping barking. This builds the association with the quiet cue.

Interrupt and Redirect Barking by Engaging in Alternate Activities

When barking occurs, interrupt the behavior by redirecting their attention onto a toy, game, or food puzzle. This distracts them into being quiet without punishment.

Allow Limited Barking Before Requiring Quiet for a Reward

Let them vocalize 2-3 barks, but then insist on quiet before providing a reward. This helps reinforce periods of silence instead of constant barking.

Gently Deter Unwanted Barking Using Corrections

Utilize Verbal Interrupters Like “No” or “Enough”

Simply using a firm verbal command like “No” or “Enough” when they start barking can serve as an interrupter to stop the vocalization.

Give Brief Timeouts if Barking Persists After Warnings

If barking continues despite verbal warnings, briefly isolating the dog away from people or actions can reinforce that excessive barking has negative consequences.

Try Spray Collars That Deter Barking with Citronella or Unscented Spray

These collars detect barking and deter it by spraying a small amount of citronella or unscented spray without using any pain or shock.

Consider Ultrasonic Devices That Detect and Disrupt Barking

There are devices that pick up on barking frequencies and emit an ultrasonic tone only dogs can hear to startle them into being quiet without pain or punishment.

With positive reinforcement training and consistency, you can reduce excessive barking and wean even tiny dogs off reliance on bark collars long-term. Patience is the key!