The Biggest Bark-Prevention Training Mistake Most Miniature Schnauzer Dog Owners Make

January 9, 2007 on 6:00 pm | In Miniature Schnauzer Articles |

Before undertaking any course of correction for excessive barking, we must determine why excessive barking occurs in the first place. The usual reasons are to protest social isolation, to gain a response from another animal, object or person, and to express alarm at unidentified sounds, movements, objects or odors. Most pups that bark excessively are vocally oriented. That is, in almost any stressful situation, they tend to vocalize by barking, whining or howling.

The most important method of controlling barking in any type of Miniature Schnauzer puppy is to make sure that corrective steps do not actually teach the pup to bark. This is a common error made by many owners. Inadvertently they reinforce the behavior (anxiety vocalizing caused by being left alone) by responding (going to the pup) and either positively or negatively handling him or her. The idea that punishment can perpetuate problem behavior is difficult for many owners to grasp.

What has actually occurred, however, is that the pup has achieved its goal: the owner’s presence. This is a positive reinforcement, even if accompanied by a slap on the rump or snout. From the Miniature Schnauzer puppies standpoint, discomfort of punishment is better than isolation. Because barking provides some relief from isolation, the excessive barking is continued. Most owners grasp this when it is framed as “thinking like the puppy.”