Barking is a natural way for dogs to communicate, but excessive barking can be a problem for both the dog and its owner. The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, is a large breed that is prone to reactive barking. This type of behavior can be triggered by strangers, other dogs, or even sounds. If left unaddressed, reactive barking can escalate and become a serious issue. Fortunately, there are effective strategies that can help Dogue de Bordeaux learn to control their barking and become a more well-behaved companion. In this article, we will explore 10 strategies to help a Dogue de Bordeaux stop reactive barking.
⚠️ Note: While the tips below should get you started, its important to realize that your Dogue de Bordeaux’s excessive barking is 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 Dogue de Bordeaux’s Triggers:
The first step to addressing reactive barking is to identify the specific triggers that cause your Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux to Triggers:
Desensitization is a gradual process that involves exposing your Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux:
Counter-conditioning is another technique that can help change your Dogue de Bordeaux’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 Dogue de Bordeaux:
Reward your Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux the “Quiet” Command:
Train your Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux’s Attention:
When your Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux:
A well-exercised and mentally stimulated Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux:
A chaotic or noisy environment can exacerbate your Dogue de Bordeaux’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 Dogue de Bordeaux’s Environment:
While you work on addressing your Dogue de Bordeaux’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 their reactive barking while you work on implementing other strategies.
10. Try an Online Dog Reactivity Training Course
If your Dogue de Bordeaux’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 Dogue de Bordeaux Might Be Reactive Barking
- Lack of socialization: If a Dogue de Bordeaux has not been socialized properly, they may be afraid of strangers or other dogs and bark excessively.
- Territorial behavior: As a guard dog breed, Dogue de Bordeaux may bark excessively when they perceive a threat to their territory or family.
- Separation anxiety: If a Dogue de Bordeaux is left alone for extended periods of time, they may develop separation anxiety, which can lead to excessive barking.
- Fear or anxiety: Loud noises, new environments, or other stressful situations can trigger fear or anxiety in Dogue de Bordeaux, causing them to bark excessively.
- Lack of exercise: Without proper exercise and mental stimulation, Dogue de Bordeaux may become restless and bark excessively.
- Health issues: Pain or discomfort caused by health issues can lead to excessive barking in Dogue de Bordeaux.
- Attention-seeking behavior: Some Dogue de Bordeaux may bark excessively to get attention from their owners.
- Breed tendencies: As a large and powerful breed, Dogue de Bordeaux has a tendency to bark loudly, which can become excessive if not trained.
- Communication: Barking is a natural form of communication for dogs, and Dogue de Bordeaux may bark excessively to express their needs or desires.
- Learned behavior: If a Dogue de Bordeaux has been rewarded for barking in the past, they may continue to do so excessively.
In conclusion, reactive barking is a common problem among Dogue de Bordeaux dogs and can be caused by various factors such as anxiety, fear, territorialism, and aggression. It is important for dog owners to address this issue early on to prevent it from becoming a bigger problem in the future. There are various strategies that can be employed to help a Dogue de Bordeaux overcome reactive barking, including training and socialization, desensitization and counter-conditioning, and addressing underlying health issues. By working with a professional dog trainer and using positive reinforcement techniques, owners can help their Dogue de Bordeaux become a well-behaved and happy companion.
NEXT UP: Can an Online Training Course Help Stop My Dogue de Bordeaux’s Barking?
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