Why Dogs Bark

For
dogs, barking is a form of communication. They bark or whine
at various pitches and volumes to vocalize their emotions. It
may be a high pitched whine to attract other dogs; a warning or
alarm or a challenge to other dogs.
The most
common causes of excessive barking are:
Boredom

Irregular or inadequate mental and physical stimulation may
contribute to your dogs barking.
Dogs are
social animals and will actively seek the company of other dogs and
people. when left alone for lengthy periods of time, they may
bark for attention. They may also need interesting things to
keep them occupied. Providing more physical and mental
stimulation for your dog may help resolve the barking problem.
Daily
walks and obedience training sessions will help you dog "have a job
to do", help in keeping them physically fit and possibly a bit tired
and may also keep them from becoming bored.
You can
also hide treats in your dogs accessible area for them to find
throughout the day, a fine game of hide and seek with a treat as the
reward will keep many dogs busy all day.
Area pet
stores have many other chew toys and behavior training aids that
mighty help to keep your dog busy instead of barking.
|
|
Changes to a Dogs Lifestyle or Distractions

Often a
move to a different neighborhood, a different house or having new
neighbors move in will cause your dog anxiety. He/She may feel
the need to reestablish their status on and in their territory.
They may bark at strangers, neighbors walking dogs, children riding
bicycles, school busses and other new and unfamiliar sounds and
smells.
You may
consider keeping your dog from areas that allow them to see
pedestrian traffic. If your dog is bothered by night-time
distractions such as cars, sirens, security lights, shadows, wind or
other animals, you might consider putting the dogs in their kennel
(their "safe place" during the night.
If you
dog barks during the day, you may consider an early morning feeding
to encourage them to nap, or smaller feeding both morning and night
might be just the ticket.
Health Issues

Healthy
dogs are happy dogs. There are times when excessive barking
may be caused by a health issue. It is important you dog
receive a health checkup annually and you discuss changed in your
dog's behavior with your veterinarian. such things as hearing
and sight issues can lead to excessive barking.
Establish a regular routine of giving your dog attention when you
are home. Leave the dog alone for short periods at first, then
gradually increase the time your dog will spend on its own.
Soon it will learn that you will return. If there have been
changes in your dog's live, don't ignore them. |
Separation Anxiety

This is
a very frequent cause of inappropriate barking. When dogs
forma particularly strong bond to one or more members of the
household, the dog can become very distressed when separated from
them. Owners are often not aware of the problem because this
type of barking and whining tends to occur most when they are not
home.
Dogs are
naturally denning animals. In the wild they will seek a cave
or close protected area for comfort and safety. Owners can
create a den or small, enclosed area in the house or outside, which
should include something that smells strongly of the owner.
This den area should never be used for punishment; it should be a
place of safety and comfort.
|
|
Things To Try

Obedience training - Not only a good way of providing training,
exercise and an outing for both you and your dog, obedience training
also promotes good social behavior with other dogs and people.
Well socialized dogs tend to bark less.
Exercise - exercise alone may not stop a dog from barking, but
it will help to provide an active release for its energy.
Exercise should be varied with 15-20 minutes daily spent walking,
training and playing.
Safe
Kenneling - Dogs are denning animals, allowing them to be in
their kennel while you are gone will allow them to be in a protected
environment.
Entertainment - Use bones and toys for an entertainment activity
when you are gone. A kong stuffed with peanut butter will give
most dogs hours of entertainment. Stuffed bones and other
activity and treat toys are available at your local pet store.
|