Neighbor's German Shepherds bark when left alone. How to stop it?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 3, 2018

  I typically recommend using a spray bottle filled with water and spritzing him in the face while saying "no bark!" at the same time when he is barking. This is typically quite effective. You can also use an empty can, fill it with coins and whenever he barks, throw the can near him and say "no bark!". My dog was quite stubborn with barking and the can trick worked for him, not the water. I hope this helps! You can also look into citronella collars that are triggered when the dog barks. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

  

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• Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

  Veterinarian

  Published on February 7, 2019

  Barking can be a very difficult behavior to control as you know. It sounds like you have tried many options. There are collars and devices that can help control barking. The collar options include shock collars with give a static correction when the pet barks, vibrate when it detects barking or spray collars that squirt fluid when pets bark. There are also devices that you place in the home that will emit an ultrasonic sound that pets don’t like when it detects barking. I recommend to read the product reviews carefully. You don’t want a product that malfunctions or gives unneeded corrections. You could also work with a trainer who may be more successful. Best of luck!
  I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

  

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• Answered By Susan England-Foster

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 13, 2017

  This can be very frustrating. I would recommend starting with increase exercise. Most dogs have mild anxiety or built up energy which will cause a lot of barking. Typically I recommend walking or running multiple times a day to help decrease energy. Second, you could try an adaptil collar or plug in. This is a collar that has pheromones present to help calm and relax out canine patients. Also composure is available online and is a supplement that can help with anxiety. If this does not work I would recommend consulting your vet to discussed possible medications to decrease the barking. I will say training will be a very important part in solving the problem. Hope that helps

  

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