How hiring a dog trainer can be beneficial
If you own a dog who has turned barking into an Olympic sport, I am sympathetic to your situation. We owned two such dogs at the same time. They would bark at the phone when it rang, the doorbell and just about anything or anyone they could see outside of our home. We tried everything to discourage the barking and finally decided to hire a professional trainer.
She gave us many tips to help sort out the triggering of the barking. Her tips truly made our home more peaceful. We started leaving the radio on when we left our home and we closed all the curtains the dogs could reach. We would leave them with toys filled with frozen peanut butter and a few extra treats hidden in plain sight around the house.
We were very happy with the trainer we hired and would recommend you do the same if you have barking issues. I have witnessed quite a few barking dogs lately when I am out for a walk. Some of the dogs have been outside on a walk or inside their homes barking from a window. I have seen firsthand a few questionable acts by dog owners trying to get their dog to stop barking incessantly.
Hitting and yelling at your dog will never solve any dog’s behavioural issues. Hitting a dog may make them fearful of your hands and yelling at them may also affect your bond. Many dog trainers will tell you that hands should only be used as affection for your pet.
If you own a dog that you feel barks inappropriately, please hire a kind, certified trainer or attend obedience classes with your pets. The trainers will be able to give you tips to help correct the barking.
Please be kind to animals. “Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the centre of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust.
They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made” — Roger Caras, A Celebration of Dogs
Tracy Jessiman is a pet portrait artist who lives in Halifax with her husband and their three pets. She is a volunteer with Animal Rescue Coalitions of Nova Scotia. She has been rescuing animals most of her life, but more intimately, animals rescued her.