ALL DOGS BARK, it’s a natural thing for a dog to bark and should not be discouraged when it is appropriate, i.e. when a stranger comes to the house, or if the dog hears out of place noises during the night. At these times your dogs bark is a welcome and reassuring warning. So you should only be training a dog not to bark at the wrong times.

However a dog that continually barks for no apparent reason can become a bit of a nuisance, both to you and to your neighbours. So training your a dog not to bark, should be a part of your overall dog behaviour training. Any random or nuisance barking should be stopped as soon as possible, preferably when the dog is still young, as it will become harder the older the dog gets.

If you are with your dog when it starts barking for no apparent reason, simply tell it to stop. The actual words or commands you use will not matter as long as you always use the same commands, and say them with authority. If this fails to have any effect, then try saying the commands while at the same time giving a quick jerk on its collar or leash. And remember to quietly praise him or her when they obey.

Solitary barking is when your dog barks when no one else is at home. (Or when it thinks no one else is at home.) It will often bark incessantly, if you have close neighbours and your dog is one of these, then you will soon know about it, as you will no doubt receive complaints pretty quickly. This type of barking can be a real nuisance and you should try to stop it right away.

One way of stopping a solitary barker is to pretend to leave the house, wait for it to start barking, and then quietly return and catch it in the act. Reprimand it with the same commands or phrases that you used before, and again quietly praise them when they stop. Doing this a few times should soon stop your dog from being a nuisance every time you leave the house.

You should try to stop your dog from becoming a solitary barker before it develops too far. You can easily do this with a few simple tips, such as getting it used to being alone gradually. Try going out just for short lengths of time to start with, and building up to longer and longer periods. You could also try leaving a radio on in the house for company, and make sure your dog has its favourite toy.

A dog is part of your family and should be shown the love and respect that it deserves. By training a dog not to bark at the wrong times, as part of a dog behaviour training programme, you are helping it and yourself to a more fulfilling and rewarding relationship that will last for years to come. (And you will probably get on with your neighbours a lot better as well.

Potty training your new pet can be tiresome and frustrating. Many people give up the idea of sharing the indoors with their new pet due to the time commitment it traditionally takes to potty train. Potty training does not need to be a burden or deterrent for you to enjoy the companionship of your pet. The following is an easy-to-follow guide for all pet owners desiring for less headaches and smells and more pet enjoyment.

The Importance of Routines

Scheduled outside time that is consistent day to day is the key to effective training. Pets, just as we do, have internal clocks that depend on routines and schedules. Your new pet needs frequent outside trips to emphasize that the outdoors is their place. Allow your pet outside time when you get up in the morning and then every two hours for two weeks. Increase the time by one hour for the next two weeks. During this time be watchful for “signs” your pet will show you that alerts you to needing to go outside. Use prompting phrases such as, “you need to go outside?” “Let’s go potty” or any other phrase you will use consistently and frequently.

Positive Reinforcement

To reinforce desired pet behavior, it is important to celebrate your pet’s achievement with a treat, affection, and words of encouragement. You may want to keep pet treats and play gear near the door for those spur of the moment trips. Your pet is looking to please you and therefore will repeat the behavior that earns praise and attention from you. Should your pet have an accident it is important to remind your pet of your expectations by using a short and simple command such as, “No” followed by leading your pet outside.

Pet Home

As your new pet is learning about you, your home and new surroundings, it is important to have a pet home for your pet. The home can be a kennel, crate or small-gated area. This is where your pet should sleep and stay when you are not supervising. Your new pet will be confused and this also eliminates the possibility of your pet destroying your property. Keep your pet’s home comfortable and clean with a blanket chew toys and treats. Always make water available for your pet. Once you have established a routine with your pet you may begin to allow more house privileges.

The most important thing to remember as you are stepping into the role of a new pet owner is to practice patience and persistence. By incorporating these two strategies into a daily routine, your new pet will be happy and obedient, and best of all; you will not have accidents to clean.