If Sheila wants to decrease her dog barking at the cat next door, she should most likely use training methods to train her pup to understand that the cat is not a threat. While there are some things she can do to reduce the barking, nothing will help more than teaching her pup to remain calm and not bark at the cat.
Understanding Why Dogs Bark
Dogs bark for many reasons, some of which can be resolved with training. Her pup may be barking at the cat because it feels threatened or because it is excited. Understanding why the dog is barking is important in order to use the most appropriate training technique.
Punishment Training
Punishment training can be used in Sheila’s situation, but it should not be the first thing she tries. Punishment training will involve giving her pup a negative stimulus (such as a loud sound or vibrating collar) when it starts barking. Punishment training can work, but it should only be used as a last resort, and an experienced dog trainer should be consulted.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a much more effective and humane way to get her pup to stop barking. With this method, she should reward her pup for not barking at the cat or other triggers with treats, affection, and/or verbal praise. This will teach her pup that it will get positive rewards for good behavior.
Desensitization and Counterconditioning
Desensitization and counterconditioning can also be used to reduce her pup’s barking. Desensitization is when the pup is gradually exposed to the trigger (in this case, the cat next door) in a controlled way so that it will not be as reactive. Counterconditioning involves pairing something the pup likes (treats, toys, verbal praise, etc.) with the trigger. Over time, the pup will start to associate the trigger with something positive, and it will be less likely to bark.
Conclusion
Reducing a dog’s barking requires consistent training and patience, but it is definitely possible. The best way for Sheila to reduce her pup’s barking at the cat next door is to use positive reinforcement, desensitization, and counterconditioning. If she is unable to get the desired results with these techniques, then punishment training should be used as a last resort.