Using the “Curve” to Walk Past Distractions

The Bark Stops Here: Teaching Your Dog When Barking Is (and Isn’t) Okay

Barking is a natural behavior for dogs—one that can be both helpful and incredibly frustrating. It’s a way for dogs to communicate, alert us, and even protect us. But not all barking is necessary, and not all of it is helpful. The key is to help your dog understand when barking is okay and when it's not.

Every pet owner has their own tolerance for barking, so the first step is to determine what works for you. Are you okay with your dog barking when someone is at the door? What about barking during walks, or when they want your attention? Once you're clear on your boundaries, it’s important to consistently communicate those expectations to your dog. It’s only fair—how can a dog follow rules they don’t understand?

Barking Basics: Why Dogs Bark

Before you can address barking, you need to understand its motivation. Barking typically falls into two categories:

✅ Self-Rewarding Barking

This is when the barking produces a result the dog finds rewarding—even if you didn’t reward it. Examples include:

• Barking at the mail truck to make it “go away”

• Barking at people or animals near the house

• Alerting you to noises

In these cases, even though the dog doesn’t receive a treat or attention from you, they still get what they want (the “threat” disappears), reinforcing the barking.

❌ Non-Self-Rewarding Barking

This kind of barking is aimed directly at you and doesn’t get automatically reinforced—unless you give in. Examples:

• Barking to be let out or in

• Barking for food or treats

• Barking for attention

With non-self-rewarding barking, you control the outcome, so you have a great opportunity to shape better behavior. READ HERE.

Merchandise

Show off your DogSpeak Geek skills by walking your dog on a loose leash while carrying your DogSpeak Water Bottle, wearing your DogSpeak T-shirt, or holding your beer with one of our DogSpeak Koozies.

This is an older episode but so much great information for those dealing with adolescent dogs, like Nikki. Listen wherever you stream your podcast or click here.

“Unleashed Enrichment Sessions: Stimulate, Play, Thrive” program, where we create personalized enrichment experiences tailored to your dog’s unique needs. Whether your dog requires stimulating activities in the comfort of your backyard or craves an adventurous outing beyond the property—be it an off-leash romp at a favorite sniff spot or a hike through the woods—we’ll design the perfect session to engage their mind and body.

Email us here with the subject line “UNLEASHED” to be added to the list for FCFS.