Barking dogs is not only an annoyance to you, but generally to your neighbors as well. And that can cause friction in a neighborhood.

Dogs have a sense of smell and hearing that we cannot imagine.

When you think your dog is barking at nothing, you're wrong.

He/she can hear the sound of a tricycle wheel turning down the block, a chipmunk munching, any number of things you cannot.

Drug and bomb dogs can smell the minutest odors. Imagine the times you've seen rescue dogs on site of fallen buildings. The area is surrounded by dust and debris -- yet, dogs are able to detect human life within the rubble. (Training a dog to detect is another issue altogether -- training needs to focus not only on the object, but the dog's ability to focus on that object and not, say, another dog's scent).

Lack of stimulation and release of frustration can create a barking dog (our neighbors have labs who are penned in all day and bark like crazy - they have nothing else to do).

Keep your dog exercised and involved. A tired do is a happy dog who will find less enjoyment in "barking at nothing."

The best way to correct a barking dog is by "training by contrast."

In The Allison Method of Dog Training, you'll get the basics of contrast training. Simply put, teach your dog to speak, then teach them to stop speaking when directed by you.

It may sound like oversimplification, but it makes sense to your dog!

Email me your problems: http://allisonmethod.com/Contact_Us.php

And remember, if you're an Allison Method member, you get free one-on-one consultations.

Warmest Regards,

Frank

www.allisonmethod.com