How Do You Discipline A German Shepherd Puppy?

If you have a German Shepherd who likes to bark excessively, you may be wondering how to get them to stop. 

In this post, we’ll go over some tips that can help. Keep in mind that not all of these tips will work for every dog, so be sure to try different things until you find what works best for your pet.

Why does the German Shepherd bark so much?

There are a number of reasons why German Shepherds bark more than other dog breeds. One reason may be that they were originally bred as working dogs, and barking is one way to communicate with their handlers. 

German Shepherds are also very intelligent and active dogs, which can lead to boredom and frustration if they are not given enough mental and physical stimulation.

Additionally, some German Shepherds are simply more vocal than others. If your German Shepherd is barking excessively, it is important to figure out the underlying cause so that you can address the problem. 

Once you have done that, there are a number of training techniques you can use to help reduce your dog’s barking.

5 Reasons my German Shepherd bark so much

1. German Shepherds are bred as working dogs, and barking is one of their main ways of communicating.

2. German Shepherds tend to be very active and energetic dogs, which can lead to them barking out of excitement or boredom.

3. German Shepherds are often very protective of their families and homes, leading them to bark at strangers or perceived threats.

4. German Shepherds are intelligent dogs who quickly learn that barking gets attention from their owners, even if it’s negative attention.

5. Some German Shepherds simply have a higher than average tendency to bark, which is due to genetics and cannot be changed.

How to get German Shepherd to stop barking?

1. Start with basic obedience training. German Shepherds are bred as working dogs, so they have a lot of energy and need to be able to follow commands. Basic obedience training will help your dog learn to listen to you and stop barking when you tell him to.

2. Use positive reinforcement. When your dog does something you want him to do, such as stopping his bark when you tell him to, praise him lavishly and give him a treat. This will let him know that he is doing what you want and encourage him to keep it up.

3. Ignore the barking. This may seem counter-intuitive, but if you start paying attention to your dog every time he barks, he will think that is what you want and will continue to do it. 

Instead, only give him attention when he is quiet. This includes not scolding him when he finally stops barking, as that will only reinforce the behavior.

4. Try a bark collar. If nothing else seems to be working, you may want to try a bark collar that gives your dog a mild electric shock when he barks. This should only be used as a last resort, however, as it can be cruel and may not be effective in the long run. 

German Shepherds are bred as working dogs, so they have a lot of energy and need to be able to follow commands. Basic obedience training will help your dog learn to listen to you and stop barking when you tell him to.

When your dog does something you want him to do, such as stopping his bark when you tell him to, praise him lavishly and give him a treat. This will let him know that he is doing what you want and encourage him to keep it up.

If nothing else seems to be working, you may want to try a bark collar that gives your dog a mild electric shock when he barks. This should only be used as a last resort, however, as it can be cruel and may not be effective in the long run.

Can you train a German Shepherd not to bark?

Yes, you can train a German Shepherd not to bark. You will need to be consistent with your training, and rewards, and remain patient. 

Start by teaching your German Shepherd a “quiet” command. When he or she is barking, say “quiet” in a firm voice. 

Once your dog is quiet, immediately give him or her a treat. With enough practice, your German Shepherd will learn that being quiet results in a reward.

15 Things To Do To Stop German Shepherd Barking

1. German Shepherd owners should never yell at their dog for barking, as this may only serve to increase the behavior. Instead, owners should try to redirect their dog’s attention to something else, such as a toy or a game.

2. It is important to provide German Shepherds with plenty of opportunities to exercise, as this can help reduce excessive barking. Taking your dog on regular walks and runs, and providing them with space to run and play in your yard, are great ways to help keep them physically active.

3. Many German Shepherds bark out of boredom or frustration, so it is important to make sure they are getting enough mental stimulation. This can be done by providing them with interactive toys and games, and by spending time training and practicing obedience commands with them.

4. German Shepherds are naturally protective of their family and home, so it is important to socialize them from a young age. This means exposing them to a variety of people, places, and situations so that they learn to not be fearful or aggressive in new environments.

5. If your German Shepherd is barking excessively, it is important to first rule out any possible medical causes. If your dog is healthy, then you can begin working on behavior modification techniques to help reduce the barking.

6. One way to help stop German Shepherd barking is to provide them with an alternate behavior that they can do instead. For example, if your dog likes to bark when someone comes to the door, you can teach them to sit and stay when someone arrives instead.

7. German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that thrive on structure and routine. Creating a consistent daily schedule for your dog can help reduce barking, as they will know what to expect and when they should be quiet.

8. It is important to remain calm and positive when working on reducing German Shepherd barking. Yelling or punishment will only serve to make the problem worse.

9. Be sure to provide plenty of positive reinforcement when your German Shepherd is behaving the way you want them to. This can include treats, petting, and verbal praise.

10. There are a variety of collars and devices available that can help reduce German Shepherd barking. These include citronella collars, which emit a spray of Citronella when the dog barks, and ultrasonic collars, which emit a high-pitched noise that is only audible to dogs.

11. If your German Shepherd is still barking excessively after trying various behavior modification techniques, you may want to consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist. They can help you identify the root of the problem and create a customized plan to address it.

12. Some German Shepherds may need medication to help reduce excessive barking. This should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian or other qualified animal health professional.

13. There are a number of products available that claim to stop German Shepherd barking. However, it is important to do your research before purchasing any of these products, as some may not be effective and could even be harmful to your dog.

14. If you are considering rehoming your German Shepherd due to excessive barking, there are a number of rescue organizations that may be able to help. These organizations can provide you with resources and support, and may even be able to place your dog in a new home.

15. Excessive barking can be a problem for both you and your German Shepherd. However, by following the tips above, you can start to see a reduction in the behavior. With patience and consistency, you can help your dog learn to bark less often, and enjoy a peaceful home life together.

Final Thoughts

If you have a German Shepherd, you know that they love to bark. While barking can be cute and entertaining at first, it can quickly become annoying if your dog won’t stop. 

In this article, we’ve outlined five reasons why German Shepherds bark so much and fifteen things you can do to help stop the incessant noise. 

Hopefully one of these solutions will work for you and your furry friend can finally get some peace and quiet. 

Has your German Shepherd ever stopped barking after implementing one of these techniques?