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This article was co-authored by David Levin and by How.com.vn staff writer, Hunter Rising. David Levin is the Owner of Citizen Hound, a professional dog walking business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 9 years of professional dog walking and training experience, David's business has been voted the "Best Dog Walker SF" by Beast of the Bay for 2019, 2018, and 2017. Citizen Hound has also been ranked #1 Dog Walker by the SF Examiner and A-List in 2017, 2016, 2015. Citizen Hound prides themselves on their customer service, care, skill, and reputation.
There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 174,811 times.
A dog makes a fun and loving companion, but it can be difficult to care for if it’s constantly barking or biting you. While it’s normal for your dog to bark at you occasionally, it can become persistent if you don’t address its bad behavior. Most dogs act up when they’re bored, afraid, or want attention, so recognizing their triggers can help you control their behavior better. Even though it’s impossible to make your dog stop completely, you’ll be able to manage their bad habits effectively as you train them!
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Preventing Dog Bites
Pull your hand away and ignore your dog when it starts biting. If you’re petting your dog and it nips at you, stop touching it and take a few steps away. Avoid giving your dog any attention or put it in a time-out area so it knows it won’t get rewarded for biting. Let your dog calm down completely before trying to pet or play with it again.[1]- If you keep petting your dog after it bites, it will think you’re still playing and may bite harder the next time.
- Avoid yelling at or hitting your dog if it bites you since it will become fearful of you, which could make it more aggressive.
Make a high-pitched noise to startle your dog when it bites. It’s normal for your dog to nibble or mouth on you when you’re playing with it, but it may not know how hard is too hard. If your dog bites you hard enough to cause pain, make a yelp or hiss sound that’s loud enough so your dog stops without making it scared. Let your arm go limp so your dog doesn’t think you’re still playing. Once your dog stops chewing or starts licking you, praise it and start playing again.[2]- If making a high-pitched noise doesn’t work, then try saying “stop it” or “no” in a loud, firm voice.
- Avoid repeating this more than 3 times within 15 minutes, or else your dog may get used to the behavior.
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Give your dog chew toys so it has something to nibble on. Dogs get bored if they don’t have any stimulation and may resort to biting. Be sure to provide a variety of toys for your dog, such as nylon bones or rubber Kongs, so they have something appropriate to chew on when they need it. Switch up the toys you’re using so your dog doesn’t get bored of them.[3]- Try offering your dog a toy right before you pet it so it’s less likely to bite your hands or fingers.
- Put peanut butter inside of the toy to make it more appealing to your dog and to give it a delicious treat.
Distract your dog with treats if it bites while you’re petting it. Keep a small number of treats in one hand so you can pet with your other hand. If your dog tries to mouth on you when you pet it, hold a treat in front of its mouth first. As your dog eats the treat, continue to praise and pet your dog so it learns not to nip when it’s touched. Keep rewarding your dog as it’s first learning the behavior until it doesn’t try mouthing on you.[4]- Over time, your dog will associate being touched as a reward so it will be less likely to nip you.
Spray taste deterrent on your clothes and skin to discourage your dog from biting. Taste deterrent leaves an unpleasant flavor in your dog’s mouth so it’s less likely to bite things. Spray the deterrent on your skin, clothes, or any other inappropriate object your dog chews on. Once your dog tastes the deterrent and lets go, praise it so it associates not chewing on things with good behavior.[5]- Use the deterrent for at least 2 weeks so your dog has time to adjust.
- You can buy taste deterrent online or from your local pet supply store.
Avoid taking your dog to loud or stressful places. Places like parks and city streets can give your dog a lot of stimulation and make it over-excited. If you notice your dog getting rough or more defensive around others, try taking it someplace where there isn’t as much noise or traffic. That way, your dog will be able to calm down again.[6]- Dogs usually learn how to play gently from interacting with their littermates as puppies, so if you got your dog while it was still young, it may not have learned that restraint.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Controlling Excessive Barking
Ignore your dog when it barks to discourage the behavior.[7] Avoid looking at, talking to, or touching your dog when it wants attention, or else it will learn that barking is acceptable. While it can be distracting or annoying, let your dog continue barking until it wears itself out.[8]- Don’t yell at your dog to stop barking since it will only get more excited by the loud noises.
- This works well if your dog constantly barks when you come home or when it wants attention.
Praise and reward your dog when it stops barking to reinforce good behavior. Your dog will stop barking once it realizes you’re not going to reward its behavior. As soon as your dog stops, talk to it in a happy voice and pet it for positive reinforcement. You can also give your dog a treat so it associates not barking with a reward.[9]- If your dog starts barking again right away, pull your hand away and continue to ignore it until it stops again. Be persistent with your training, or else your dog won’t learn properly.
Teach your dog the “quiet” command to help it calm down. When your dog stops barking on its own, say a command like “quiet” or “settle down” in a stern voice. Then give your dog a treat as a reward to help encourage the behavior. Be consistent with saying the command and rewarding your dog every time it stops barking so it associates getting a treat with being quiet. After a couple of weeks, try saying the command while your dog is barking to make it stop.[10]- Teaching your dog to bark on command may help it learn the “quiet” command. That way, you have better control of when your dog barks.
Try exercising your dog to work off extra energy. Dogs will bark if they feel bored, so get them involved in activities and regular playtime. Take your dog on a walk, play fetch, or bring it to a dog park if it’s not too busy. Allow your dog to run around and have stimulation for a little while each day, and they’ll feel too exhausted to keep barking.[11]
Block the view from your windows if your dog barks at passersby.[12] Many dogs are territorial and bark to scare away possible intruders. If you notice your dog barks when it sees something outside, invest in solid curtains or covers so your dog can’t see through them. Keep the curtains shut as often as you can so your dog doesn’t get distracted by what’s outside.[13]- If you can’t block your windows, bring your dog into a different room instead.
Socialize your dog with other people and animals so it gets used to stimulation. If your dog hasn’t been around a lot of other people or animals, it may bark because it’s scared or anxious. Slowly let your dog meet people that are a variety of ages, genders, and races so they’re able to get comfortable around them. Start by introducing your dog to them from a distance before getting closer to them. Reward and praise your dog when it acts well so it learns not to bark around others.[14]- Try giving the other person a treat to help your dog feel more comfortable around them.
- If your dog starts barking or getting aggressive, put some distance between it and the other person until it calms down again.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Seeking Veterinary or Training Options
Consider taking your dog to a training class if you can’t make it behave. Training classes help your dog learn good behavior in a controlled environment so it’s less likely to misbehave. Look for dog and puppy courses at pet stores or training centers in your area and sign up for the class. Even though your dog will learn commands from the course, stay persistent with your training at home as well for even more reinforcement.[15]- Check the trainer’s certifications before you sign up for a class.
Have your dog spayed or neutered to make it less aggressive. Dogs are more hormonal before they’re fixed, which may make them more likely to bite or bark. Schedule an appointment with your vet and bring your dog in for surgery. Follow all of your vet’s postoperative care instructions to ensure your dog makes a speedy recovery. Once it’s healed, your dog may be less likely to act up.[16]- You can have your dog spayed or neutered once it’s around 8 weeks old.
Consult with a behaviorist if your dog becomes aggressive. If your dog still acts up and you’re not sure what’s causing it, get a recommendation for a behaviorist in your area. Schedule an appointment and take your dog in to have it checked for any issues or illnesses. The behaviorist may prescribe medication or give you tips on how to help your dog.[17]Advertisement
Expert Q&A
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- QuestionWhat is the best thing to do if my dog doesn't stop barking?
David LevinDavid Levin is the Owner of Citizen Hound, a professional dog walking business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 9 years of professional dog walking and training experience, David's business has been voted the "Best Dog Walker SF" by Beast of the Bay for 2019, 2018, and 2017. Citizen Hound has also been ranked #1 Dog Walker by the SF Examiner and A-List in 2017, 2016, 2015. Citizen Hound prides themselves on their customer service, care, skill, and reputation.
Professional Dog TrainerTry to address your dog in a firm voice and tell it no as punishment. If your dog barks for attention, it's best for you to ignore it so you don't reward bad behavior. - QuestionMy chihuahua bites me and gets really upset and angry when she sees a harness. I can't get it on her. She is 4 years old. What should I do?
Community AnswerBe gentle around her and don't get angry. Start small. If you can pet her without her biting, give her a treat. Show her the harness and give her a treat. After a few days of this, touch it against her. Give her a treat. After a few more days, place it on her back for a second. Give her a treat. Gradually work your way up until you can put it on her. - QuestionMy Yorkie is much loved but sometimes bites and draws blood. He seems to lose his temper and go beserk. I am unable to put his lead on and I have to leave it on all the time. What should I do?
LearninggCommunity AnswerMy guess is that you did not teach him to respect you and he is telling you what to do and biting when you don't do what he wants. This is a long process and requires a professional trainer or you will continue to get bitten. Dogs are not children should not be treated as such.
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References
- ↑ https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/behavior/managing-mouthing-dogs
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/mouthing-nipping-and-play-biting-adult-dogs
- ↑ https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/stop-dog-barking
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/mouthing-nipping-and-play-biting-adult-dogs
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/mouthing-nipping-and-play-biting-adult-dogs
- ↑ https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/behavior/aggression-dogs
- ↑ David Levin. Professional Dog Walker & Trainer. Expert Interview. 19 December 2019.
- ↑ https://alvaradoveterinaryclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Behavior-in-Dogs-Barking.pdf
- ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-get-your-dog-stop-barking
- ↑ https://www.sfspca.org/sites/default/files/dog_commands_quiet.pdf
- ↑ https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/behavior/why-my-dog-barking
- ↑ David Levin. Professional Dog Walker & Trainer. Expert Interview. 19 December 2019.
- ↑ https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/behavior/why-my-dog-barking
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-stop-dog-barking/
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/does-your-dog-need-a-trainer/
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-bite-prevention
- ↑ https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/behavior/aggression-dogs
- ↑ David Levin. Professional Dog Walker & Trainer. Expert Interview. 19 December 2019.
- ↑ https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/news/help-your-anxious-or-fearful-dog-gain-confidence
- ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-get-your-dog-stop-barking
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/mouthing-nipping-and-play-biting-adult-dogs
About this article
David Levin
Professional Dog Trainer
This article was co-authored by David Levin and by How.com.vn staff writer, Hunter Rising. David Levin is the Owner of Citizen Hound, a professional dog walking business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 9 years of professional dog walking and training experience, David's business has been voted the "Best Dog Walker SF" by Beast of the Bay for 2019, 2018, and 2017. Citizen Hound has also been ranked #1 Dog Walker by the SF Examiner and A-List in 2017, 2016, 2015. Citizen Hound prides themselves on their customer service, care, skill, and reputation. This article has been viewed 174,811 times.
Co-authors: 28
Updated: March 13, 2022
Views: 174,811
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 174,811 times.
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