If you think you have a problem with your dog having an apparently insatiable demand for noise of his own making, here are nine tips which will help you work towards a solution.

Firstly you need to identify the cause of your dog's persistent barking. Excessive barking is usually related to an underlying issue. The cause is probably behavioral. Common examples of such underlying issues include territorial barking, possibly because of some external stimulus; attention seeking, barking due to some physical discomfort, barking through alarm or fear, and barking due to loneliness, boredom and inactivity.

Having identified a reason for your dog's barking behavior, you will then need to seek out a remedy which will nullify the cause. Set out to apply this remedy to your particular situation, but be prepared to make small amendments as you proceed with the training. Think of ways which will measure the progress of the solution you are working towards. Although the end result is to be able to to control your dog's barking, the frequency and consistency of a training method will vary according to the speed of progress. Set out to apply this remedy to your particular situation, but be prepared to make small amendments as you proceed with the training.

Secondly, you should be aware from the start that any dog behavior modification training will take practice - and patience. It is important not to rush or be impatient with whichever method you choose as the best one for your circumstances. Does your dog seem happy? Is he treating it all as a game? You definitely don't want him to be stressed out!

Begin with a simple exercise, introducing your dog slowly to the training technique. Then progressively spend slightly longer each time you act on the method, Above all it is vital that you carry it out consistently and regularly. Repetition is the key, just like 'parrot fashion' education for humans. Never did me any harm!

Initially you may think that the method is not working at all. However, as is the case with so many things, just be persistent and keep at it until you begin to see the result that makes your efforts worthwhile. Keep each training session brief, and be prepared for it to take several weeks to reach your goal. You should find that it becomes easier as time passes and your dog grows used to his regular training.

Thirdly, you must never reward barking behavior. This is particularly important in puppyhood, which is also a good time to engender in your puppy some confidence in being alone. A puppy which is too strongly bonded to his owner will become a dog which will not be left alone without making an enormous fuss. He may grow up to be an anxious dog who will need some form of bark control.

Fourthly, don't allow your dog to become bored. Barking through boredom is a common trait in many dogs, the working breeds in particular. Ensure that your dog doesn't go short of exercise, and that he has plenty of toys to play with, especially when you are busy or need to leave him at home alone. Remember, bored dogs bark.

Fifthly, identify what your dog enjoys doing. Attract his attention to this enjoyable activity when he is barking. He should recognize this as an alternative to barking which he will enjoy even more. Bear in mind of course that a dog's bark is an instinctive response to his surroundings, and it is his natural form of expression. No owner should wish to contemplate their dog's exuberant outgoing personality being negatively affected.

Sixthly, always be consistent in your training. Find a reliable dog training method, act upon it, and follow it through. For example, you should avoid confusing your dog by yelling at him to shut up on some occasions, then being patient when you are using one of the training techniques. If your dog feels that he has gained your attention by barking, just as he wanted, then you will have been inconsistent by using negative reinforcement. Remember, you need to apply consistent reinforcement techniques in whatever training your dog has undertaken.

Seventh, reward your dog when he is not barking, especially if he has just become quiet after a spell of barking. After all, if he understands that being quiet will bring its own reward, then what do you think he will choose to do? You will need to have some particularly tasty rewards handy, whatever your dog's favorite treat is. Avoid giving him this treat on other occasions for the length of the training plan.

Eighth, try to think like your dog! Put yourself in his paws. For example, think how you would be affected by whatever external stimuli may be causing him to bark. Then decide on a different way of doing things so that you - or your dog - will no longer be affected by it. Another example may be of a dog which barks a lot when he has been left alone and is quite likely to be an insecure dog. Why has my pack leader left me? Where have they gone? What are they doing without me? Your dog may be conditioned to expecting you to dote on his every whim, but he does need to learn how to be alone. Try to use some lateral thinking to circumvent your dog's thought processes.

And finally, if you want a dog that won't bark at all - get yourself a Basenji.

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