The Attention Getter -- Many dogs bark to get attention. This type of dog has usually learned, whether you're aware of it or not, that barking will get him attention. He may have learned that he can get whatever he wants by barking. This is usually a dog who is insistent upon getting is how own way, a dog who must be the center of attention, and a dog who can be very demanding, particularly of your attention. A lot of owners, too fed up with the barking, simply give in to their dog's whims. And for many of these dogs, any attention, even scolding, is better than no attention. Here are a few tips to help you put a stop to this kind of barking:

• Withdraw your attention. When your dog is displaying his bad barking behavior, ignore him. Do not make direct eye contact, do not touch him or speak to him. Only respond with attention once he is quiet and no longer barking.
• Create a bridging stimulus. This can help along the attention withdrawal technique. You want to create a neutral sound to act as a stimulus, something like a click, that you produce as soon as the barking begins. This acts to signal your dog that your attention is about to be withheld. The stimulus provides a concrete consequence to your dog's actions.
• Countercondition. To countercondition your dog's nuisance barking, you want to train him to do something that is incompatible with his barking. You can train him to go to his bed. Once there, praise him and/or give him a treat.
• Punishment. When your dog barks, say "No Bark" or use a shake can. However, this technique rarely works with sensitive dogs and, though negative, may still be seen as attention.

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