I am writing this entry because even when I explain how to handle jumping and barking I get asked about it many times. I will also save you some time because jumping and barking is a natural thing for dogs. It is how they communicate with us and it takes awhile to get it under control. Barking is a dog talking to you. Maybe they are excited, scared, or bored. When a dog barks do not get angry. It is sad because I think sometimes people buy bark collars just because they are angry when their dogs bark. This takes the rights of your dog away when you disregard that. I even have dogs suffering from neglect that will bark when left outside of the house because they are not getting enough attention.
Even if you consider how barking has helped humanity. It can be used for security. Either letting you know someone is approaching or scaring off unwanted visitors. To a certain extent it is how we have survived as a species because dogs bark.
So, with that being said you still as a pet parent have the option to control the barking. Barking is a result of excitment. I know people will want to disagree with me but it is true. Dogs still have full range of emotion, but it is all connected to excitment. A lot of people read their dogs behavior incorrectly and then blame the dog. Not all the time, but enough for me to have to bring it up. A good “focus” comand is the best way to control it. Even a simple “touch” command can make a huge difference. Think of your dog as a train. They are on the track of their own instinct. When you use a simple command like that you are commpleteing a “redirect”.
If my friend is talking about something that I don’t want to talk about like math I could redirect them to a different topic like baking cookies. I don’t blame my friend for talking about something I don’t like and slap a shock collar on them. That would be ridiculous.
Jumping I would agrue is another means of communication. When a dog jumps on you they want something. They want attention or they want food or to play. There are only three motivators for dogs. The first is usually food, but if the dog is stressed they won’t eat, and dosen’t nesscarily mean they don’t like the food. Second is attention this is my go to when dogs won’t take treats. Even the “baby” voice is great to use like if you were talking to a child. Third is toys but it is tricky if the dog has not been taught what a toy is. That is why sometimes you buy a toy and the dog looks at it and walks away. That is another article for toy socialization.
So training for Barking and jumping is CONSTANT it will be all day everyday. If your dog is not taking a nap barking and jumping WILL happen. If you have made your dog tired then this is not an issue. They will wake up again with all their energy, and you will have to address it again. In my very first article I put out this outline for an example schedule.
Wake up
Feed your dog (if it is a puppy)
Exercise/Potty training for puppies
Either/or
Feeding your dog (if it is an adult)
Nap time
Dogs will begin to stop jumping and barking when they are older than three years, typically. If you have a high energy breed it could be longer before they finally calm down. Some dogs never slow down. Use this schedule and these tools to help control barking and jumping. If they are still jumping that means they will be ready to be acive wth you. Enjoy your dog, enjoy going outside and that is how you will find Pawvana.
Pawvana 