Q & A With Our Very Own Dog Trainer

This week we have a question from a reader for our very own celebrity dog trainer, Inger Martens, about a dog that just won’t stop barking.
Let’s see how Inger can help!
Question:

Hello Ingers Martens,
I am dealing with my dog giving warning barks when people are near the door and so far i managed to make him stop once I open the door. However, my problem is that UPS trucks will make him crazy and bark non-stop when they pass by my house. Is there a solution to make him stop barking uncontrollably when truck noises pass by?
Thanks,
Hiram

Here is your Paws For A Minuteâ„¢ quick tip
Hi there!
Well, what I can tell you about barking is that there are many variables that would make normal dog say “hey someone is at the door bark” to escalate into a triggered non-stop barking machine.
Sometimes there are things within your dog’s daily routine that will cause the barking. Things like looking out the window for 8 hours a day, lack of exercise or walks which equal boredom and other things. I mention this because barking at sounds is often triggered by boredom. So part of the solution is tiring your dog out.
Walks and a regular game of fetch would help. May sound like a lame answer but try it! Exercise and walks will really reduce the triggers and socialize him to noises. It’s important not to get into a pattern where you’re reprimanding the barking with yelling no constantly. Obviously that doesn’t work or you wouldn’t be writing in.
Try to increase short periods of exercise and do a leash training exercise for 15 minutes, in the house. The leash exercise will help re-focus your dog on you. Put your dog on a leash and walk him around the house asking him occasionally asking him to sit. If he begins to bark give a gentle tug on the leash and say no. Immediately redirect him to sit and then say good boy. This process will create eye contact and an understanding.
Thanks for the tip, Inger!
We hope her suggestion will lead to some peace and quiet for you, Hiram!
Have a question???? Email us at [email protected] or check out more tips from Inger on her website Paws For A Minute!