When the dog at home barks at passers-by, or suddenly breaks free from the leash to chase running vehicles or cats, the owner's anxiety and worry instantly surge into his heart. This uncontrolled barking and chasing behavior not only affects neighborhood relations, but also puts the dog itself in danger. To change this situation, the owner needs to have a deep understanding of the reasons behind the behavior, and use patience and scientific methods to help the dog learn to be calm and restrained, and become a docile and well-behaved partner again.
The barking and chasing behavior of dogs stems from the combined influence of their instincts and the acquired environment. In primitive society, dogs used barking to warn their companions of danger and declare territory, and chasing was an instinctive behavior of hunting. Even as pets, these natures are still deeply imprinted in their genes. However, the complex stimulation of the modern living environment often causes these instincts to be over-released. For example, when the doorbell rings or a stranger passes by the door, the dog will regard it as a potential threat and defend itself by barking; when seeing fast-moving objects, such as running bicycles and fluttering plastic bags, the chasing instinct will be stimulated. Understanding the motivations behind these behaviors is the first step to solving the problem.
When facing excessive barking by dogs, the owner must first clarify the type and cause of the barking. If the barking is caused by separation anxiety, the dog will show restlessness, bark constantly, and even destructive behavior after the owner leaves. In this case, the owner needs to help the dog build a sense of security. The owner can gradually extend the time of leaving to allow the dog to adapt to being alone; before leaving home, give them sniffing toys, educational leaking balls, etc. to divert their attention. There was a golden retriever that barked frequently due to separation anxiety. The owner returned from leaving for a few minutes at the beginning, and gradually extended it to half an hour and an hour. At the same time, with toys and snacks, the dog slowly learned to wait quietly alone.
If the barking is caused by territorial awareness or vigilance, the owner should guide the dog to correctly recognize the environment. When a dog barks outside a window or at a door, do not yell at it, as this may be misunderstood as encouragement; instead, use a calm tone to stop it, and then use training to let the dog know that certain situations are safe. For example, when someone passes by the door, the owner can lead the dog to observe quietly. If the dog remains quiet, give it a reward immediately, and gradually change its response to specific stimuli.
For dogs that bark for attention, owners should never comfort or play with them when they bark, otherwise this behavior will be reinforced. Instead, pay attention and reward the dog when it is quiet, so that it can be loved by the owner. A Pomeranian in the home of an owner often attracts attention by barking. The owner insists on playing with it when the dog is quiet. After a period of time, the frequency of the dog's barking has significantly decreased.
The chasing behavior of dogs is often accompanied by excitement and impulsiveness, and their self-control ability needs to be improved through training. "Recall training" is the key. The owner can choose a quiet indoor environment, hold delicious snacks, call the dog's name, and give rewards immediately when it looks at him; gradually increase the distance and interference, so that the dog can obey the recall command even in an excited state. When outdoors, be sure to wear a leash for your dog. When you find signs of chasing, tighten the leash in time to stop it and direct its attention to other things. Through repeated training, dogs will gradually learn to restrain the urge to chase.
In addition, proper exercise and psychological stimulation are essential to reduce barking and chasing behaviors. Dogs with excess energy are more likely to have these problems. Ensure sufficient walking and playing time every day, or do Frisbee, agility training, etc. to release their energy. At the same time, provide sniffing pads, puzzle toys, etc. to meet the psychological needs of dogs, keep their brains busy, and reduce bad behaviors caused by boredom.
Changing a dog's barking and chasing habits is a "protracted war" that requires time and patience. In this process, the owner may experience countless frustrations, but every small progress of the dog is worth celebrating. When a dog that used to love barking and chasing can sit quietly by his side, obey instructions and no longer be impulsive, the owner will gain not only a change in behavior, but also a deeper and more trusting emotional connection with the dog.
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