by Diane Burket
Does your dog bark every time someone comes to the door? That may be a good thing when you’re not home. But if you’re home and Fido has a barking fit whenever friends and delivery services come to the door, it can get pretty annoying. Dogs bark. Yes. But they shouldn’t bark without a good reason.
One way to stop a dog from barking is with water. Fill a cheap spray bottle with plain water. Spray your dog in the face if he/she barks inappropriately. Don’t spray from too close….don’t want to get in their eyes. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your dog will stop barking. My spray bottle is at the ready on the staircase. Now, I only have to pick up the bottle and my dog stops barking.
Want to stop a dog or cat fight? A little play fighting is fine—but sometimes they cross the line. Try spraying them with your water bottle. The fight will stop. (Watch out to not spray in their eyes).
This simple technique can also work for other unwanted behaviors. Dogs that constantly whine drive me crazy. Spray with water and they’ll change their behavior.
Dog jumping up to the kitchen counter? Spray with water. Begging? You get the picture. If you’ll consistently correct your pet’s bad behaviors, they’ll stop.
