Stop repetitive barking and build a stronger relationship with your dog using this trainer’s simple piece of advice

Dog barking with it's paws resting over a silent dog
(Image credit: Getty)

Demand barking, a frustrating behavior often exhibited by dogs, can strain the relationship between pet owners and their furry companions. As easy as it is to throw your dog a distraction like one of the longest lasting dog chews this isn’t teaching them a lesson and can lessen the respect your dog has for you.

However, the dog trainers at Kane9 Dog Training, recently shared a valuable piece of advice on the Kane9 Instagram account that offers a fresh approach to tackling this issue. By focusing on overall training and setting clear boundaries, the head trainer, Kait, demonstrates how pet owners can stop repetitive barking while nurturing a stronger bond with their beloved canines.

Rather than solely addressing the specific act of demand barking, Kait suggests a more holistic approach to training. Using a real-life example (which you can view below) with Navy, a dog under their guidance, Kait emphasizes the importance of establishing clear expectations and boundaries within the shared space.  

By working with Navy on not bursting out of her crate, Kait and the team at Kane9 Dog Training successfully eliminated demand barking. The key takeaway from Kait's advice is to view training as a comprehensive process that encompasses the dog as a whole, rather than tackling individual issues in isolation. By providing fair, realistic, and clear guidance, pet owners can achieve remarkable results. 

Demand barking can be a significant source of frustration for both pet owners and their neighbors. The incessant barking may stem from a variety of factors, such as attention-seeking, boredom, or a lack of clear boundaries. Instead of solely focusing on addressing each specific barking instance, Kait encourages dog owners to consider the bigger picture and work on training their dogs as a whole.

Building on this principle, Kait suggests that by establishing clear expectations and boundaries in shared spaces, pet owners can effectively address demand barking. In Navy's case, the focus was on crate training. Through consistent training and reinforcement, Navy no longer engages in demand barking while in her crate.

The benefits of this approach extend beyond curbing repetitive barking. By teaching dogs as a whole and providing them with consistent, fair, and clear guidance, a stronger bond is fostered between owners and their furry companions. This approach enhances communication and understanding, laying the foundation for a harmonious relationship.

For more canine conversation why not read up on how to keep a dog cool in the car this summer or find out the answer to can dogs be allergic to grass?

Jessica Downey
Staff Writer

With over a year of writing for PetsRadar, Jessica is a seasoned pet writer. She joined the team after writing for the sister site, Fit&Well for a year. Growing up with a lively rescue lurcher kindled her love for animal behavior and care. Jessica holds a journalism degree from Cardiff University and has authored articles for renowned publications, including LiveScience, Runner's World, The Evening Express, and Tom's Guide. Throughout her career in journalism she has forged connections with experts in the field, like behaviorists, trainers, and vets. Through her writing, Jessica aims to empower pet owners with accurate information to enhance their furry companions' lives.