Ever wondered why it is so hard to train a dog not to bark? Some dogs seem to be ‘resistant’ to any training approach.
A reason could be that dogs when they bark the barking can elicit the release of neurochemicals which produce euphoric sensations or perceptions. Or put differently barking is self reinforcing or intrinsic reinforcement.
If that is the case then the best approach is to manage the triggers that cause the barking and look into all other aspects of the environment such as enough mental and physical stimulation, training and enrichment.
Dogs who get enough training and mental stimulation and have their social needs met are less likely to bark.
