Stop Chihuahua Barking Fast
Chihuahuas, like many small dogs, love to bark. Without proper training, you will not effectively be able to stop chihuahua barking. Your chihuahua’s barking may become so excessive that it turns into a nuisance. Here are some effective tips to stop chihuahua barking fast. At a minimum, your goal will be to diminish the level of barking so as not to disturb you and your neighbor.
Why Chihuahuas Bark
In order to stop Chihuahua barking, you have to understand that the barking is partially due to its dominant nature. Dogs, particularly small breeds, usually become bossy because their owners will pick them up and satisfy them whenever they bark. In other words, chihuahua barking behavior is positively reinforced.
As most owners carry their chihuahuas around, they may develop separation anxiety and begin to bark excessively when they feel isolated and want more attention. Lack of physical and mental stimulation can also lead to chihuahua barking.
Basic Solutions
The first thing to do to stop Chihuahua barking is cease yelling at your chihuahua when he barks, as that will give the dog the attention he/she is seeking. Do not try to stop chihuahua barking by offering the dog a treat or a toy as that will again encourage the behavior.
One good way to stop chihuahua barking is to exercise your chihuahua regularly and teach him a few tricks and commands so that he he won’t be boared and restless.
Barking at Visitors
If the chihuahua barks whenever a visitor comes in, try teaching him the “sit” and “quiet” command to gain the dog’s focus. Desensitize your dog to visitors by rewarding him with a treat whenever he is able to calm down and stop barking.
This way, the chihuahua will associate the visitor with delicious food and begin to welcome their presence.
Barking for Attention
A lot of chihuahuas bark to gain attention from their owners. Simply because they want your attention. If the owner tries to appease the dog by offering him toys and food, the barking problem will persist.
The best way to solve this problem is by ignoring your chihuahua when he barks. The dog will get frustrated and tired after barking for a long while.
When the chihuahua calms down, you can show your affection and reward the dog with a treat. Be patient and do not give in to your chihuahua’s relentless barking at the initial stage.
Barking at Passerbys
Your chihuahua may get irriated whenever the postman or the deliveryman arrives and start barking non-stop. Practice the “quiet” command and whenever the passerby appears at your door step, try to gain your dog’s focus by saying the command and rewarding his/her calm behavior with treats.