German shepherds are popular pets due to a number of reasons. They are strong, loyal and intelligent. Having this breed as a pet can be a wonderful experience. However, if you have adopted an untrained German shepherd that has an undesirable habit like biting or barking, then it must be driving you up the wall!

All is not lost. German shepherds are very intelligent animals that can learn things quickly. All you need to do is spend time and effort with your dog to make it realize that it is doing something that is unacceptable for you.

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Why do German shepherds bark

If you are annoyed at your dog for continuously barking then you need to realize this – All dogs bark! That is their way to communicate with us. Usually, they do it out of concern for us or simply to get our attention. This is why you should take the time to answer to their bark.

However, in some scenario your German shepherd might choose to continuously bark. Those situations are:

• Telephone or doorbell ringing
• Stranger approaching
• Someone entering your backyard
• When left alone in the house or when it gets bored.

The above reasons can not only be annoying for you, but also for your neighbors. Before your neighbors take serious actions against you, teach and stop your German shepherd barking!

How to stop your German shepherd barking

First and foremost, you should teach your German shepherd the ‘quiet” demand so that it knows it is unacceptable to bark when you tell him or her so. You can begin teaching this command by creating a stimulus that will cause him or her to bark. When they bark, tell your pet in a firm and clear voice to be quiet. Reinforce this behavior by giving him or her a treat when it follows what you say.

Also, stop your German shepherd barking in situations that will disturb your neighbors. German shepherds are territorial in nature. This is why it might be in habit of barking at strangers or other animals. To make it stop when the doorbell rings; take control of the situation. Over here, you are showing your pet that nothing is wrong. So take him or her to the front door and ask it to sit down. If by now your pet understands the “quiet” command, order your dog to be quiet. Open the door to show that nothing is wrong. This conditioning will make your German shepherd understand that you are not in danger and nothing is wrong when the doorbell rings.

Also, take your German shepherd on long walks with a leash and try improving his or her socializing skills. Whenever it barks, tell him or her firmly to stop. You can also stop this by redirecting his or her attention somewhere else like commanding him or her to sit. When he or she sits down, tell it to be “quiet” again.

This breed also gets bored very easily. It will try to get your attention by barking when it is bored. Try to keep your pet entertained as much as possible every day. Play activities with your German shepherd so that it drains its energy. Your pet might also bark when you leave it home alone. The only way to stop this is by doing nothing! Yes, whenever you leave, don’t say goodbye. In fact, even when you come back home don’t acknowledge your pet till you do some chores. This conditioning will make your canine realize that your leaving or going is not a significant occasion.

Overall, with firm and regular training, your German shepherd will quickly learn to stop barking. At your end, you should ensure that you make an effort to help your pet in a gentle and assertive manner.