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Having to deal with my German Shepherd barking at strangers is the worst!
Because of this, it's difficult for me to enjoy my dog, and it also annoys other people.
If you're having the same issue with the German Shepherd, then you'll benefit from these simple fixes.
Before getting into the detail have a look to the brief introduction to German shepherdcommunity by proud dog parents. Subscribe the community now and avail the chance to get free gifts along with updated dog information. Subscription process is easy, just fill the form at bottom.
You must first determine what is causing your dog to bark.
Determine why the GSD is barking and afterwards treat the root cause rather than reprimanding it.
The following are some of the more common causes of your dog barking at strangers:
- Even though I'm attempting to meet the person, I have terrible greeting skills.
- Territorial behavior, such as protecting their property or yard.
- Exhibiting apprehension toward a new acquaintance.
- Concerned about outsiders' abilities to harm you.
A Shepherd's natural impulse is to protect their family and property. As a result, they frequently bark when strangers approach the home or yard in order to warn and protect their owners.
They bark at people, even if they aren't in the immediate vicinity of their home or yard, to alert their owners to potential dangers.
Don't be concerned that training your dog not to bark may impair its strong watchdog abilities. Even if you try to limit your dog's barking, he will still be alert and aware of potential risks.
Do not shout or yell at the German Shepherd unless absolutely necessary.
The more you cry and scream, the more anxious your dog will become.
Yelling won't alleviate their nervousness or terror, which may already be there.
One of loudest barking dogs, German Shepherds may bark so intensely that they fail to hear you. You can't teach your German Shepherd anything by yelling or screaming at them when they're barking at strangers, and this only reinforces their fear of the stranger.
Certain types of harsh punishment (such as striking or shocking) might lead to an increase in aggressiveness. Avoid using these procedures since they will not assist.
How to Stop Your German Shepherd from Barking: Don't Use a Muzzle & Anti-Bark Collar
A muzzle may be used by some dog owners to control their pet's barking.
As punishment for barking, some owners use an electric anti-bark collar.
These methods will not help you properly educate your German Shepherd and may potentially exacerbate existing behavioral issues like aggression, anxiety, or fear.
A last option should be harsh anti-bark collars or muzzles.
If you're thinking about using a mask or an electronic collars to stop your dog from barking, talk to your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist first.
Before resorting to harsh punishment, use more constructive approaches first.
A German Shepherd's "Speak" command should be taught first.
Teach the dog to "talk" before teaching him the "silent" command, even though it seems illogical.
Instead of trying to teach your dog to "quiet" while they're stressed up and barking at strangers, this way they'll learn the difference between "talk" and "quiet."
When teaching your dog the "speak" and "quiet" commands, here are the instructions:
Afterward, stand in front of your dog and offer a high-value incentive to distract them from barking. Allow them to smell the treat by holding it up to their noses.
When the dog pauses barking to smell the goodie, use the "talk" command.
Give him a reward and some praise in return. This should be repeated until he barks as fast as you pronounce the word "talk."
Give him the "talk" command in a distraction-free area, but this time put a treat in the face and tell him to "silent."
Reward them once they've settled down.
Getting your dog to understand the difference between "talk" and "silent" will take time and effort, but don't give up.
Increase the "Quiet" command's delay time.
Increase the length of time your dog remains silent and the time of your reward to keep practicing the "quiet" command. "Quiet" moments between incentives and praise are the goal.
After letting the Shepherd bark two or three times, move closer them and give the "silent" command.
Over a period of days, your dog will begin to learn what the command implies by repeating this technique. Once you've said the "quiet" command for as longer as you need, your goal should be to have the German Shepherd quiet down at strangers nearly immediately.
Wait a longer period of time while rewarding the GSD with food and praise after giving the "silent" command. Increase the waiting time by five seconds, then ten, then twenty, and finally thirty seconds.
Work minute by minute mark for waiting time before the award is delivered.
A dog's "silent" time is a long time, so be patient and keep increasing the amount of time before you treat your dog.
Stimulate Your German Shepherd's Fear of People with Positive Training
Start a desensitization program if the German Shepherd growls at strangers when it is outside the house, such as while on a walk.
Finding their threshold (the point where they begin barking) and working on minimizing the distance to that stimulus is what this method is all about.
Make your own dog training fudge and give it to your dog as a reward for good behavior. These goodies should only be given to your GSD during training sessions, making them more valuable to your dog.
Before your German Shepherd barks, use one of these strongly scented treats to get their attention.
Your dog's attention will be drawn to them because of their strong scent.
Be on the lookout for any warning signals that your dog is likely to bark by learning to interpret their body language.
The following are things to keep an eye out for:
- The rigidity of one's frame
- High-pitched squeals of delight
- Hair on the shoulders and back standing straight up
- A focused examination of the unfamiliar or bothersome object
Shift away from the stimuli if your dog is experiencing these symptoms (stranger).
Make sure they may smell and then see the goodie by holding it directly next to the noses. Before he has a chance to bark, give him the reward as he walks down the street or away from stranger and looks at it.
Before they have an opportunity to bark at strangers, get your German Shepherd's attention.
When it comes to rewarding your dog, timing is crucial.
You're trying to divert their focus away from the commotion.
If your dog is so preoccupied with the stranger that they miss the delicious reward that is just in front of the nose, then you have crossed their threshold and should walk away from the stranger.
When we see a stranger and I'm afraid she's going to bark, I make my Shepherd perform the "sit." With her, I move a few steps away from the walkway so that she may do something else, like walk away or sit, while the stranger passes by.
Stop the German Shepherd from Screaming at Strangers Properly
Stopping your Shepherd from shouting at strangers can be accomplished by using a comprehensive training program that teaches him expectations and rewards.
The most important thing to remember when training your German Shepherd at home is to be patient and don't expect immediate results.
Barking at strangers, for example, can take weeks or even months of consistent practice to break the cycle of self-gratification.
