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Small dogs have a bad reputation for barking all the time. While it’s a behavior you can reduce with training, some dogs like to bark more than others. With that in mind, how does the Mini Australian Shepherd compare? Do they always bark, or do they have a milder temperament that makes it easier to keep them quiet? Most Mini Australian Shepherds don’t bark much, but that doesn’t mean they won’t bark at all.
In this article, we’ll highlight why they might bark and walk you through what you need to do to get them to stop barking all the time!
Do Mini Australian Shepherds Bark a Lot?
No. Compared to most other breeds, most Mini Australian Shepherds don’t bark that much. They have a quieter and calmer demeanor than many other small dogs, which is another perk of getting one of these adorable pups!
Why Your Mini Australian Shepherd Might Bark a Lot
It’s not common for Mini Australian Shepherds to bark excessively, so if yours is doing so, you should take the time to figure out why. Here are a few reasons your Mini Australian Shepherd might be barking so much.
1. Lack of Socialization
Socialization is crucial for any dog, and a Mini Australian Shepherd is no exception. It’s best to start as early as possible, but even if your Mini Australian Shepherd is older, you still should take the time to get them used to being around other dogs.
When picking dogs to socialize them with, try to find another dog with behaviors you want them to emulate. This will help your dog understand what they should and shouldn’t do.
2. Lack of Training
While the Mini Australian Shepherd usually isn’t too yappy, they won’t know whether they should bark or not if you don’t train them. It requires time and patience, but since the Mini Australian Shepherd is intelligent and eager to please, it shouldn’t take too long to give them the training they need.
3. Lack of Exercise
Dogs need to stay active to be happy, so if your Mini Australian Shepherd isn’t getting the exercise they need, they might resort to barking to get your attention. This is especially true if you pay attention to the barking or chase them around the house to get them to stop.
4. Boredom
Mini Australian Shepherds are smart dogs. To meet their mental demands, they need mental stimulation each day. This can include training sessions or playing with a puzzle toy. You need to find a way to entertain them and work their brain; otherwise, they might start barking at everything!
5. Separation Anxiety
Most dogs don’t like spending time alone, and if your Mini Australian Shepherd is only barking when you’re not home, it might be a problem for your neighbors. Sometimes, crate training can help, but you might need to look into other methods to keep them calm while you’re out.
The 4 Tips to Train Your Mini Australian Shepherd to Bark Less
If you can’t seem to get your Mini Australian Shepherd to bark less, it’s time to train them. Here are a few of the most effective training methods you can use.
1. Meet Their Needs
Before you try to train excessive barking out of your dog, you must ensure you’re meeting all their needs. They need adequate socialization, exercise, mental stimulation, and time with their owner. If you’re meeting these needs, you can start training them to get them to stop barking so frequently.
2. Turn Your Back
Your dog often barks to get your attention. So, giving them the exact opposite of what they want can deter the behavior. When they start barking, turn your back to them, and don’t give them any of your attention.
3. Reward the Silence
After you turn your back to your dog, wait until they stop barking. Once they do, give them the attention that they want. This rewards the positive behavior of staying silent while deterring the negative behavior of barking.
4. Repeat
Teaching your dog not to bark constantly takes time and consistency, so don’t give up if it doesn’t work immediately. In a few weeks or so, you should notice that your Mini Australian Shepherd is barking less and less when they want to get your attention.
Final Thoughts
If you want a small dog but don’t want to deal with all the barking, a Mini Australian Shepherd is a great choice. Even if your dog barks excessively at first, with some training and persistence, you should be able to get them to stop. The process can take a while, but your pup will eventually only bark when appropriate.
Featured Image Credit: PxHere
