Barking is a natural behavior for dogs, but excessive barking can become a nuisance for their owners and those around them. Chinese Cresteds are a breed that can be prone to reactive barking, particularly when it comes to strangers or other dogs. This behavior can be difficult to manage without proper training and guidance. In this article, we will explore 10 effective strategies to help your Chinese Crested stop reactive barking. From identifying the root causes of the behavior to implementing specific training techniques, these strategies will provide you with the tools you need to address your dog’s barking habits.
⚠️ Note: While the tips below should get you started, it’s important to realize that your Chinese Crested’s excessive barking is a symptom of reactivity. Consider looking into an online training course that specifically addresses reactivity (we like SpiritDog’s “Tackling Reactivity course or K9 Institute’s Dog Masterclass)
1. Identify and Understand Your Chinese Crested’s Triggers:
The first step to addressing reactive barking is to identify the specific triggers that cause your Chinese Crested to bark. Observe your dog closely to determine what situations or stimuli provoke their barking, such as encountering other dogs, strangers approaching, or loud noises. Once you understand the triggers, you can develop a targeted plan to address the issue.
2. Desensitize Your Chinese Crested to Triggers:
Desensitization is a gradual process that involves exposing your Chinese Crested to their triggers at a comfortable distance, allowing them to become more accustomed to the stimulus without reacting. Over time, you can slowly decrease the distance between your dog and the trigger, always rewarding calm behavior. This process helps your dog become less reactive to the trigger, ultimately reducing their barking.
3. Use Counter-Conditioning with Your Chinese Crested:
Counter-conditioning is another technique that can help change your Chinese Crested’s emotional response to a trigger. By pairing the trigger with something positive, such as treats or toys, your dog can begin to associate the stimulus with a positive experience rather than fear or anxiety. Over time, this can reduce your dog’s reactive barking.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement with Your Chinese Crested:
Reward your Chinese Crested for remaining calm and quiet in situations where they would typically react with barking. Consistently offer praise, treats, or affection when your dog displays appropriate behavior in response to their triggers. This positive reinforcement helps your dog learn that there are better ways to cope with their triggers than barking.
5. Teach Your Chinese Crested the “Quiet” Command:
Train your Chinese Crested to understand and respond to the “quiet” command. When your dog starts barking in response to a trigger, calmly say “quiet” and wait for them to stop. As soon as they are silent, immediately praise and reward them. Repeat this process consistently until your dog associates the command with the desired behavior.
Related: What online dog training program does iHeartDogs recommend for reactive barking?
6. Redirect Your Chinese Crested’s Attention:
When your Chinese Crested begins to bark reactively, try redirecting their attention to a more productive activity. Offer a favorite toy, initiate a training session, or engage in play to refocus their energy. This helps your dog learn that there are alternative ways to react to stimuli, rather than barking.
7. Provide Adequate Exercise and Mental Stimulation for Your Chinese Crested:
A well-exercised and mentally stimulated Chinese Crested is less likely to engage in reactive barking. Ensure your dog receives enough physical activity and mental stimulation daily through walks, play sessions, and interactive toys. This can help reduce pent-up energy and frustration, which can contribute to reactive barking.
8. Create a Calm Environment for Your Chinese Crested:
A chaotic or noisy environment can exacerbate your Chinese Crested’s reactive barking. Create a calm and quiet space for your pet, with a comfortable bed and designated area for their toys. Use calming scents, like lavender or chamomile, and soothing sounds, such as classical music or white noise, to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
9. Manage Your Chinese Crested’s Environment:
While you work on addressing your Chinese Crested’s reactive barking, consider managing their environment to limit exposure to triggers. This may involve using window films to obscure your dog’s view of passersby, creating a designated “safe space” for your dog to retreat to, or using baby gates to restrict access to areas with high trigger exposure. Managing your dog’s environment can help reduce its reactive barking while you work on implementing other strategies.
10. Try an Online Dog Reactivity Training Course
If your Chinese Crested’s reactive barking continues despite your efforts, consider consulting with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
2 online dog training programs we like are:
1. SpiritDog’s “Tacking Reactivity” Course
The SpiritDog Tackling Reactivity Course is an online training program designed to help dog owners address their dog’s reactive barking without the need for expensive in-person training. The course aims to help owners understand their dog’s triggers and teaches techniques to calm and accommodate reactive dogs. Developed by experienced dog trainer Steffi Trott, the program offers video lessons, instructional PDFs, quizzes, and access to trainers for support.
2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”
More than just an obedience course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.
10 Reasons Why a Chinese Crested Might Be Reactive Barking
- Fear or anxiety: Chinese Cresteds may bark when they feel threatened or nervous in unfamiliar situations or around unfamiliar people or dogs.
- Territorial behavior: Some Chinese Cresteds may bark to protect their territory or their owners.
- Separation anxiety: If left alone for long periods, some Chinese Cresteds may bark excessively as a sign of distress and anxiety.
- Attention seeking: Some Chinese Cresteds may bark to get their owners’ attention, especially if they have not been given enough exercise or mental stimulation.
- Playfulness: Some Chinese Cresteds may bark when they want to play or engage in activities with their owners.
- Boredom: Lack of physical activity or mental stimulation can cause some Chinese Cresteds to become bored and bark excessively.
- Herding instinct: As herding dogs, some Chinese Cresteds may bark at moving objects or people to try and control them.
- Medical issues: Pain, discomfort or other medical issues may cause some Chinese Cresteds to bark excessively.
- Environmental factors: Loud noises or other stimuli in the environment may cause some Chinese Cresteds to bark excessively.
- Lack of training: Without proper training and socialization, some Chinese Cresteds may develop excessive barking behavior.
In conclusion, reactive barking is a common problem in Chinese Cresteds, and it can be frustrating for both the dog and its owner. Fortunately, there are many strategies that can be used to help manage and reduce reactive barking. These include things like desensitization, counterconditioning, and positive reinforcement training. It’s important to remember that each dog is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find the strategies that work best for your Chinese Crested. With patience, consistency, and the right training approach, it is possible to help your dog overcome their reactive barking behavior and enjoy a happier, more peaceful life.
NEXT UP: Can an Online Training Course Help Stop My Chinese Crested’s Barking?
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