Although poodles are extremely adorable, they can scare you because this is one of the noisier canine breeds. However, that poodles are also highly intelligent and easily trainable. There is always a barking trigger that instigates your toy poodle to start barking and you need to recognize these stimuli and respond appropriately. In this article, we’ll discuss all of the essential toy poodle information and how to train a toy poodle not to bark.
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Why Does a Toy Poodle Bark?
Several factors can make your toy poodle bark but some of the most relevant ones are discussed below.
Separation Anxiety
Many new owners do not realize that toy poodle suffers from severe separation anxiety. Poodle Report suggests that these pups begin to suffer from this feeling whenever they are left alone. Hence, they will bark loudly to express their feelings.
Louder Noises
Poodles are renowned for being sensitive to both loud noises and intense flashes of light. Therefore, whenever your poodle hears or sees something alarming, such as a rainstorm, you should expect him to start barking.
Protection from Strangers
Poodles want to alert their owners, whenever they see someone strange walking around. Barking is the way dogs communicate and they use this method to just inform their owner, rather than hurting someone.
Attention Seeking
Toy poodles are very sensitive and can show different mood swings. They can bark when excited or when they are feeling sad. Similarly, these pups can also bark when they have nothing to do, and want to seek the attention of their owner.
How to Train a Toy Poodle Not to Bark?
According to Wag Walking, training can change your canine’s life. The following training scenario can help you to stop your toy poodle from barking.
Investigate the Real Triggers
You should always try to find the causes of your dog’s barking. For instance, has your pup heard a distant siren or did he detect the impending arrival of a thunderstorm? If this is the case, it may be necessary to redirect or console him.
Provide Proper Exercise
Poodles are high-energy dogs who require exercise to unwind. If your Poodle is barking due to a heightened mood, make sure he/she has a way to expend that energy.
Socialize Your Pooch
Being a small dog breed poodle can be afraid of large dogs or strange people. Hence, a poodle must be exposed to a variety of circumstances to learn how to stay calm and behave properly. This will allow your dog to feel more comfortable in different situations and around different people.
It is very important to desensitize your poodle to triggers that can make him bark. The best way to do that is to introduce your pooch to those triggers gradually and train him/her to behave well in these situations. For example, they should know how to behave in front of guests and strangers. Daily practice can help toy poodles not to bark.
Offer Entertainment
When you have a busy routine and can’t give your poodle attention, make sure he/she has toys and other activities. This will keep him/her occupied and minimize anxiety and boredom. Poodles require a lot of physical as well as mental stimulation. Hence, entertainment is necessary for them.
Use Treats
whenever your Poodle barks (due to trigger), encourage him/her to be calm by giving him/her treats. This act will not only distract him/her for the time but also will create positive reinforcement in the mind of the dog.
How to Stop a Toy Poodle from Barking?
Various experts including The Nest agreed that the following methods are useful to solve the barking issues of a toy poodle.
Train Your Dog
Strict and persistent behavioral training will assist you in establishing healthy and effective control over your canine. Toy poodles are intelligent creatures, and your efforts will go a long way in reducing their barking behavior. This can be quite helpful in public as well as at home.
Examine Surroundings
Toy poodles are exuberant (and enjoy barking) and won’t need a second invitation to exhibit this behavior. Therefore, it is mandatory to determine if there’s anything that’s making him nervous. Small children, other household pets, loud noises, and distractions can all cause your dog to start barking.
Put the Poodle on Leash
It’s highly recommended to keep your toy poodle on a leash when you are around other dogs or animals. if. A harness leash (rather than a leash and collar) works well for small breeds. Your dog won’t feel as if it is being dragged, and this leash is less likely to injure his/her sensitive neck.
Give Attention
When you can’t exercise or play with your toy poodle, make sure he/she stays engaged or distracted. Toy poodles can be kept quiet and collected with interactive toys that trickle kibble on the floor. likewise, you can use appropriate chew toys to keep your pup occupied.
Consult a Veterinarian
If your dog continues to barks, he/she may be suffering from an underlying medical condition. In this case, you should visit your vet as soon as possible to determine the source of the problem. Your vet will examine your dog thoroughly and may prescribe some anti-anxiety medication.
Audio Visual Aid
Toy poodles don’t like to be left alone in dark places. Therefore, you should allow enough light in the room. Similarly, you can play some music for your poodle while you’re away. Many audios, such as rainfall or jungle sounds, can be found on YouTube that is helpful in this regard.
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