When you’re trying to enjoy TV time, your furry friend constantly barking at the screen can be irritating. While you adore your pet, their persistent growling can be bothersome. Relaxing at home with your dog peacefully by your side is the ideal scenario.
Some dogs bark at specific triggers on TV, while others bark at almost anything on the screen. Dealing with a dog that won’t stop barking may seem challenging, but there are effective strategies you can implement to address the issue. This guide outlines steps to identify the root cause of your dog’s behavior and find a suitable solution.
Before You Commence Training
Each dog has a distinct personality and temperament. Some dogs may be more stubborn or have deep-seated issues from previous owners that are hard to rectify. Resolving their barking at the TV habit might take time, but with patience and consistency, you can once again enjoy your favorite programs in peace.
Essential Tools
Before you begin, make sure you have these tools on hand:
- A treat that your dog loves and is safe for them to consume.
- A leash that is easy for you to manage.
- Videos online containing barking triggers such as squirrels or other dogs.
- A specific word or phrase like “leave it” to use when your dog reacts to the TV.
With these tools in place, you can follow these six steps to discourage your dog from barking at the TV.
How to Discourage Your Dog from Barking at the TV
1. Sit with Your Dog in Front of the TV
Start by placing your dog next to you in front of the TV. Play videos that you know will trigger barking. Opt for videos with multiple potential triggers to avoid wasting time on commercials or unnoticed moments. Get your dog accustomed to the sights and sounds on the screen. Consider using a leash to control your dog’s movements during this process.
2. Offer Treats to Your Dog Before Barking Starts
While playing the selected videos, offer your dog some favorite treats. The presence of these treats will divert your dog’s attention from the screen. Be cautious to only reward your dog when they are not reacting to the TV, to prevent reinforcing the undesired behavior.
3. Use Your Training Phrase
If your dog reacts to the videos, use a firm but calm tone to command them to stop. Use a consistent word or short phrase like “No” or “Stop.” If your dog already responds to a command to leave something alone, use that. Remind your dog not to bark at the TV or try to reach it.
4. Reward Your Dog When They Stay Quiet
Patience is crucial. Allow your dog to watch the videos with you as many times as needed. Keep your dog close and show them the treats if they start barking. Let them sniff the treat briefly. If your dog remains calm, give them the treat. If not, wait a bit and offer the treat again. Over time, your dog will learn that quiet behavior gets rewarded.
5. Increase Exposure to Videos and Exercise Patience
Like any training, it will require multiple sessions for your dog to stop barking. Some dogs may respond faster than others. The key is acclimating your dog to TV stimuli and consistently rewarding good behavior. Ensure the experience remains positive to avoid negative reactions.
6. If Unable to Train, Keep Your Dog Away
Inconsistency can confuse your dog. Once you start training, maintain the routine to avoid setbacks. If you lack time or patience to engage in training, place your dog in a crate or another room where they can relax without interruptions.
- Related: Why Does My Dog Throw Up at Night? (Common Causes)
Final Notes
Dogs bark out of excitement or concern, not to annoy you. Altering their response to their environment through positive reinforcement and consistency will yield results. Training durations vary based on individual dogs, but by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can curb this unwanted behavior effectively.
Sources
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/ask-our-trainers-dog-barking-at-tv/
- https://gomineofficial.com/blogs/news/how-to-stop-dog-barking-at-tv-easy-effective-tricks-you-must-try
- https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/behavior/counter-conditioning-and-desensitization
- https://www.puppyleaks.com/barking-at-tv/
- https://pethelpful.com/dogs/How-to-Keep-a-Dog-From-Barking-at-the-TV
Featured Image Credit: Eugenio Marongiu, Shutterstock
