If you want to learn how to stop a Bull Terrier barking, you’ve come to exactly the right place.
Bull Terriers don’t have a reputation for being overly chatty, but there’s an exception to every rule. If you’re currently dealing with that exception, you’ll know it’s no laughing matter. Your neighbors probably have a pretty good idea too.
Regardless of breed, size, gender, coat color, or anything else, a dog that spends more time barking than snoozing is frustrating. It’s loud, it’s annoying, and it’s a literal headache.
Obviously, barking isn’t always bad. It’s a natural, normal, and healthy way for dogs to communicate. And let’s get real – trying to get any dog to never bark again isn’t just undesirable; it’s never going to happen anyway. It’d be the canine equivalent of getting a toddler to take a vow of silence.
But while a degree of barking is absolutely fine, there’s a world of difference between acceptable, normal levels of barking and constant, unnecessary barking… and that’s the kind of barking you can, and should, do something about.
Why “should?”
Well, partly for your own sanity, but largely for your dog’s sake. When a dog like the Bull Terrier barks, it’s usually for a reason. And that’s a reason you need to know about and do something about.
It could be that they get anxious around strangers. Perhaps they’re bored and frustrated. Maybe they’re even in pain. Whatever it is, it’s time to put your detective hat on, figure it out, and working on the solution.
Talking of solutions… if there’s one thing above all else that’s going to bring about a positive change, it’s teaching your dog a little emotional control.
Regardless of whether they bark because they’re anxious, frustrated, or just a little hyper, they’ll be much less inclined to do it if they know how and when to reign it in.
Getting a dog to take charge of their emotions might seem an impossible task, but it’s simpler than it seems. If you need the evidence, take a moment to check out the Dog Calming Code from Dan Abdelnoor over at the Online Dog Trainer. (see video below)
Dan has put the program together to help any dog, no matter how vocal or excitable, to adopt a more focused, mature attitude. Try it. It won’t turn your comical clown into a boring fuddy-duddy. But it will give you some peace.
Anyway, here’s the link to take a look: Click Here To Discover How To Finally Stop Your Bull Terriers Frustrating, Annoying Barking Habit… Even If You’ve Tried & Failed Before!
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Why Do Bull Terriers Bark?
Bull Terriers rarely bark for no reason. They’re not a breed that sits singing at the window all day unless they see a very good reason to do it.
So when they bark, they bark because they have something specific to express.
For instance…
They’re Bored
Like other terrier breeds, Bull Terriers were bred with a specific purpose in mind.
Despite being one of the most amicable dog breeds around, their original job in life was to satisfy the somewhat unsavory 19th-century lust for animal-based blood sports.
When they weren’t fighting bears and bulls, they were hunting down rats and keeping homes free of vermin.
It may not have been particularly pleasant work, but it was work all the same. These days, most Bull Terriers rarely do anything more strenuous than walk from one end of the street to the other…. and that can be a problem.
When a spirited dog like the Bull Terrier isn’t given an outlet for all that energy, they can get frustrated, bored, destructive, and very, very vocal. The younger they are, the more energy they have and the more pronounced the problem.
They’re Being Good Watchdogs
Thanks to how alert and active they are, Bull Terriers make great watchdogs. If someone sets foot on your property who hasn’t got the right to be there, you can bet they’ll let you know about it.
But while being alerted to a stranger in the yard is one thing. Being told each and every time a leaf blows off a tree or a cat jumps onto the fence is another. And that’s where the problem starts.
They’re Lonely
In an ideal world, we’d all spend 24 hours a day with our dogs. Unfortunately, it’s not an ideal world, and most of us have to earn a living.
If you have to leave your Bull Terrier home alone for long stretches of the day, they might start getting lonely and even anxious.
If separation anxiety kicks in, leaving them alone for just a few minutes can send them into a frenzy of anxiety and stress, neither of which are conducive to a quiet life.
They’re Anxious
Bull Terriers are exuberant, playful, mischievous, and, despite their stubborn streak, the picture of balance and calm.
However, this is a breed that requires plenty of input from their owners.
They need exercise, firm but positive training, lots of quality time with their family, and (and here’s the biggie) early socialization with other dogs and people.
If they don’t get those things (particularly the early socialization), there’s no more happy, comical companion. What there is instead is a dog that’s prone to becoming anxious and fearful whenever they encounter something new and unfamiliar.
While you might not always be aware of what’s making them anxious, you’ll be left with no doubt they are by the volley of barks that come your way.
They’re Territorial
Bull Terriers can become extremely territorial and protective of their homes and family, especially if they haven’t been properly socialized or trained.
If a stranger enters their space without having received express permission to do so, a territorial Bull Terrier will have no hesitation at doing what they need to to see them off.
And yep, that includes barking with as much force as they can muster.
They’re Over Excited
Bull Terriers have a reputation for being the clowns of the dog world, and it’s not undeserved.
But while being comical and entertaining is all well and good, it can sometimes run to over-excitement. Especially if they don’t get enough exercise to burn off all their endless energy.
If they’re not taught how to stay calm and controlled (remember the Dog Calming Code I mentioned earlier? This is where it comes in handy), barking frenzies are going to be par for the course.
They’re Feeling Ill
If your Bull Terrier has been relatively quiet until now, the sudden barking fits could signify a health problem or injury.
Cognitive dysfunction, dementia, hearing/ vision loss, thyroid problems, and a host of other problems can all result in a chance of behavior, including excess vocalization.
How to Stop a Bull Terrier from Barking
Everyone knows you’ll never get a dog to stop barking completely. But that’s not the goal here. The goal is to keep the normal, natural communication in place, and get rid of all the other stuff that’s costing you a fortune in aspirin and earplugs.
The first step in the process?
Watching the Dog Calming Code. If you can get to grips with the tips and methods Dan discusses (and don’t worry – they’re designed to be as suitable for novices as for experienced dog handlers), you’ll be well on your way to a calmer, quieter dog.
After that, you can start working your way through the following strategies.
Figure it Out
Before you can tackle a problem, you need to know what’s causing it in the first place.
If your dog’s barking because they’re in pain, there’s no point jumping into a new training regime hoping it’ll fix things. It won’t. Neither will it do your dog much good to be treated for anxiety if they’re barking out of boredom.
Think about the when, the where, and the why.
Does your dog bark…
- When they’re around strangers or other dogs?
- If someone comes to the house?
- When they’re left alone?
- If they haven’t been exercised all day?
If you can figure out the answers, you’ll be closer to knowing if you’re dealing with a territorial barker, an anxious barker, or a bored barker… and closer to figuring out how to stop it.
Remove Their Triggers
Removing a dog’s view of the outside world might sound cruel. But it’s actually one of the kindest things you can do for a territorial barker.
Do you really think your dog is getting any pleasure from standing at the window barking at every passing stranger? Nope. It’s tiring.
If they can’t see people passing by, they can’t bark at them. So close your curtains. Change that link fence in the yard for a solid one. Let them stand down from duty. It’ll be as much of a relief for them as for you.
Try Some Basic Training
If you’ve never treated your dog to some basic obedience training, now’s the time to start.
Bull Terriers might be stubborn, but they’re also intelligent. So if you’re consistent and rely on positive reinforcement methods rather than punishment, you’ll soon start seeing results.
Start by teaching them the “Quiet” cue. Next time they’re in the middle of a barking episode, wait for them to stop. As soon as they do, say “Quiet” and reward them with a treat. Keep doing it often enough, and they’ll soon get the message.
Add Some Exercise
Bull Terriers are high-energy dogs that require ample exercise. If they don’t get it, they’ll find other outlets for their energy… ones that usually involve destructive behaviors and plenty of excess vocalization.
Try to think of ways to add more activity into their life.
If you’re away from home during the day, consider asking a friend or dog walker to pop by to break up their afternoon with a run to the park.
Throw in a few games of fetch or frisbee, along with enough interactive games to keep their minds as busy as their bodies, and you’ll soon be looking at a much calmer, much happier, and much quieter dog.
Keep Calm and Carry On
Regardless of whether your Bull Terrier is prone to boredom, anxiety, frustration, or over-excitability, teaching them the value of calm is going to make a major difference to their behavior.
If you want to put your dog on the path to greater emotional control, remember to check out the Dog Calming Code.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re reading this to the accompaniment of your dog barking, you’re by no means alone. The good news? This doesn’t have to be forever.
If you can…
- Work out the cause
- Get rid of the triggers
- Learn the power of positive reinforcement
- Add some exercise
- Encourage emotional control
…. then I guarantee your life will soon be a whole lot quieter than it is now.
