There are a number of ways to get rid of dog behavior you don’t want. The following will work to resolve barking that occurs when the owner is present. The first is a belief about barking and four methods to resolve problem barking written by a pioneer in behavioral training:
1. When the dog barks, hit, slap, yell, squirt liquids, or threaten with blunt objects.
Punishment is humanity’s favorite method. And it seems to work because the dog stops. But if the dog starts barking again, is it because we didn’t inflict enough punishment?
2. Turn your back or leave the room when the dog begins barking.
Return and give attention at once when the dog stops barking.
3. The dog will eventually stop barking.
If the barking is to get attention, giving attention will reward the barking. Motivation aside, all barking is self-reinforcing and seldom will a dog decide to spontaneously quit.
4. Train an incompatible behavior.
Teach the dog to lay down on command. Like most of us, dogs seldom bark while lying down.
5. Train the dog to “speak” for a food reward.
Easy to capture since the dog already has a barking habit. Once trained, gradually fade the command. This method is surprisingly effective but proceed with caution. A clever dog could turn it around on you.
— From Don’t Shoot The Dog! The New Art of Teaching and Training by Karen Pryor
The title suggests this is a dog training manual. But Don't Shoot the Dog! is so much more. Karen Pryor wrote an empowering how-to guide for anyone wanting to change behavior. Pryor translates reinforcement training into easy, practical recommendations for managing behavior in dogs, cats, children, co-workers, spouses, anyone, including yourself. No yelling required.
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