Barking Dog

Attention seeking barking means your dog barks for your attention, and we’ve all been there (very big grin). Let’s roll up our sleeves and get clicking to fix this behavior!

Attention seeking barking is quite common. When a dog barks, we look away from the TV, computer screen or visitor and look at the dog. Your dog just learned how to get your attention! And yes, just by looking at your dog, you can reinforce his barking. It’s very hard for people to ignore a loud sound, especially a barking dog, because it’s instinctual to look toward the sound.

Instead, try:

• Reward your dog when he is quietly laying at your feet, enjoying a chew toy or being calm and quiet.
• When he barks, ignore him. Don’t look at him or laugh (yes, laughter is reinforcing too). 🙂
• When your dog is quiet, turn toward him and reward with treats and cuddles.

The Barking Will Get Worse

So you just tried ignoring your dog when he barks and it’s worse! Ah, brace yourself, this can happen. This means you’re making progress — happy dance! If your dog’s been practicing attention seeking barking for a long time, the barking will get worse before it gets better. We call it extinction bursts, and this is very normal. 🙂

Classic Example of a Barking Dog Extinction Burst:

• Your dog barks.
• You ignore your dog.
• Dog barks louder and longer. He keeps getting louder, louder and louder. Ride it out. Your dog is learning that attention seeking barking is ignored.

Whatever you do, please continue to ignore your dog even when barking is at its worse. If, accidentally, you glance at your dog while an extinction burst is happening, your dog will think, “I need to scream for 10 minutes while standing 2 inches from my owner’s nose. Then, he can hear me.” He needs to learn any type of vocalization does not work. Only when he is quiet does he have your undivided attention. I recommend walking away when your dog starts barking. This way you will not accidentally glance at him. 🙂

Don’t Give Up

Many pet parents, especially those in the beginning of the “no barking” process, are concerned their dogs’ barking never ends. However within a few minutes, you’ll witness the power of positive training. Trust me, these methods work. 🙂

It’s physically impossible for a dog to bark and breath at the same time even if your dog learns to breath fast in between barks. 🙂 All barking dogs must take a breath, which means they are quiet for a nano-second. Reward! Your dog will learn that barking does not pay, but it is ignored. When your dog is quiet, he gets attention and treats — woot woot!

Some pet parents are concerned they will inadvertently teach their dogs to bark instead of quiet when using this training method. I promise, if your timing is spot on, your dog will totally understand that barking does not pay, but quiet behavior does!

How do you know if your timing is off? Your dog’s barking will get worse. Or he’ll bark and look at you, which means you’ve accidentally rewarded barking (we can fix this, don’t worry!). Plus, if your dog will bark a few times then look at you while not barking, take advantage! Instead of clicking the moment he is quiet, wait for your dog to be quiet for one second, then click/treat. Continue until your dog is quiet for longer periods of time. 🙂

If you’re not using a clicker, I would add this into the mix because the click sound is much faster than our voice or showing our dog a treat. Learn more about clicker training at Clicker Training Tips.

RELATED: Clicker Training for Dogs

You Can Stop Your Dog’s Barking Forever

Yes. If you continue to practice the behavior of ignoring him when he’s been vocal, then reward for quiet. This is a new skill for both of you, but I promise it’s worth it.

It’s your turn. Bark back! Add your questions about attention seeking barking in the comment section below. 🙂

More:
Dog Barking
Dog Barking at Sounds
Request Dog Barking
Stop Dog Barking Next Door