Stop barking!
Most dogs bark, and generally there’s a good reason. Most bark at the postman, some bark at the neighbours, some bark in the street. The most common ‘neighbour annoyance’ however is a dog barking non-stop in the garden at absolutely everything. In my own neighbourhood, I know most of the local dogs names by their bark. This isn’t some amazing talent or strange psychic ability, but usually 5 minutes into their barking rampage a door or window opens with some equally loud and crazy dog owner screaming their name to ‘shut up’
This is not only even more annoying for her neighbours but is also counter productive. Dog sees something worth barking at, owner appears and starts barking at it too. Dog is reassured that it is doing the right thing and continues.
The second annoying bark is less common but I still do see it during games. Doggy has dropped his ball at his owners feet perfectly, and then literally barks orders at him to throw. While harmless this can be embarrassing and if a stranger picks up the ball, can be quite scary.
Does your dog bark non-stop in the garden? Or even while out on walks? All of these are rectifiable. We will never stop a dog from barking completely, but by limiting it to normal situations your dog can be less of a nuisance and be loved by your neighbours.
Max (above) was a playful barker. It took me all day but I had virtually stopped him during play by rewarding ‘good behaviour’ and ignoring the bark.
