There are many reasons for dog barking. Your dog may bark as a warning that your home has been broken into by a burglar or to let you know of the approach of a stranger. Dog barking is also used to get attention or to intimidate the dog owner or others. Whatever the reason for the barking, I'm sure we are all in agreement that it is annoying and ways need to be found to stop it quickly. Owners of constantly barking dogs are sometimes charged with disturbing the peace. Luckily, there are several ways to discourage dogs from barking without good reason.

Training your dog when it is appropriate for him to bark is the probably the best way to stop unwanted barking. Although there are a number of options, the best way is the reward/reprimand method. This is an effective and humane method.

In order to avoid using this training method, some dog owners use an electronic bark collar which emits a small electric shock when the dog barks. Eventually, the dog barking ceases as the dog connects his barking with an unpleasant experience. I am of the opinion that using this method to stop dog barking is inhumane and cruel.

Electronic collars should not be used for a variety of reasons, one being that not all dogs connect their barking with the uncomfortable shock. They learn to tolerate the shock and continue to bark. In addition, if the prongs on the collar do not touch the dog's skin, a dog with a thick coat will not feel the shock. It should be noted that only using an electronic collar for training rarely stops dog barking. For the best results, dog obedience training is also necessary.

Some people are of the opinion that electronic collars could discourage dogs, even though the collar may not really them. People who have this viewpoint often use citronella collars which work on a similar principle to electronic collars. The citronella collar emits a mist when the dog barks. As dogs tend to dislike the smell, they will begin to connect their barking with the foul aroma and will stop barking. The success rate is about the same as for electronic collars.

Although electronic collars can be useful training tools, most vets and dog trainers feel that they cannot be used as a replacement for good obedience training. Dog obedience training helps to solve more dog behavior issues than just dog barking.

Surgery is sometimes used to stop dog barking. This is the most barbaric and drastic option. The dog is prevented from barking by having a piece of tissue removed from the larynx. There have been cases where the dog's ability to bark has returned, voiding the goal of the surgery. Thankfully, most vets are opposed to surgery to stop dog barking.

I hope we have managed to convince you that good dog obedience training is essential for dog barking and most other dog behavior problems. It is worth noting that if a dog stops barking with an electronic collar, he will not bark when a burglar enters your home. However, a dog that is given obedience training will know the appropriate times to bark and will protect you and your family.