'I'm a dog expert, and these tricks will stop your four-legged best friend from barking'
A dog training expert has shared a series of simple tips to help pet owners prevent their noisy pups from barking both at home and on the leash.
Patrick Meier, @themeierhaus, has more than 350,000 followers on TikTok with whom he shares everyday advice and tricks to get dogs behaving better, amassing six million likes. The account's Dog Training for Dummies series is wildly popular, showcasing easy ways to keep canines in check that even first-time dog owners can follow.
One of the most viewed videos in the series, lesson seven, teaches dog owners how to encourage their pets to stop barking. Patrick breaks the video down into two levels, as well as common mistakes to avoid.
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"Definitely don't do this," the dog behaviour expert demonstrates as he rushes to his feet at the sound of knocking on his door. "Mistakes: intensifying the moment by also distracting attention to the disturbance.
"Talking or yelling at them (the dogs) equals barking with them (encouraging the behaviour). Because all the dogs hear is 'Oh my god, I'm worried, guard this place, alert alert.'"
The first level to negate your dog's reactions to loud noises outside or door knocking is a sniff test. "Level one, for if your dog is a barker but not an extreme barker, is to take a treat when they begin barking.
"Put it in front of their nose and let them smell it - like us, dogs cannot smell and speak at the same time. Once they're quiet, you give them the treat.
"Level two, if nothing can distract them (when barking), is to grab an object that's loud when you drop it. Make sure the dog does not see it, and drop it behind them when they're barking to snap them out of it. Then reward them instantly for being quiet."
The video has racked up more than 35,000 likes, with plenty of users complimenting Patrick's effective technique. One follower commented: "Can we talk about how this guy actually teaches us how to train our dogs? I can’t thank you enough for how clear and explicit this is."
