Dog Barking
Dog Articles and Personal Stuff
Dog Author: Champi
Dog Barking is a natural and normal behavior in Dogs. It’s a way of communication and Dogs bark for many reasons. Barking for long periods of time is a sign that your Doggie has a problem. Barking Dogs can become a problem when it has created tensions with other people in your neighbourhood. It is always better to discuss the problem with them and to let them know that you’re working on it.
You need to know when and for how long your Dog barks, and what is causing it. If that is not possible, Dog Supplies - Dog Bark Collars may be an option.
If your Dog is barking in response to his environment or his way of life:
1) Your Doggie could be bored and lonely:
- He / She is left alone for long periods of time.
- Not enough exercise given to your Dog.
- Environment is relatively barren, without playmates or toys.
- Temperament, active type of Dog.
Tips:
- Give him more exercise, walk your Doggie daily (depending on your Doggie, 2 or 3 times a day).
- Teach your dog tricks, entertain him, play with him.
- Take a class with your Dog.
- Give hime interesting toys to play with when you’re not home.
- If your dog wants your attention, make sure he has enough time with you.
- Let your neighbors know that you’re working on the problem.
- Ask someone else to care for you Doggie too, or try to take him with you.
2) Your Dog is barking to guard his territory:
- The barking occurs in the presence of strangers, intruders.
- He / She has his / her tail held high and ears up and forward.
- You’ve encouraged your Doggie to be responsive.
Tips:
- Teach your Dog a command. Always allow some barks but then say NO or Quiet and interrupt his barking. Spray some water, throw a soft ball or toy if he does not stop. When he’s quiet, reward him.
- Teach him that the people he views as dangerous are actually friends. Try to let a person come very close. Start far enough so that your Dog is not barking. Feed him a treat or throw a toy for him every time when he keeps quiet.
- If your Dog barks inside the house: tell him / her to keep quiet and reward him for this.
- Don’t encourage barking when your Dog hears or sees things outside.
- Spay or neuter your dog to decrease territorial instincts.
3) Your Dog is afraid of things:
- Loud noises, such as fireworks or construction equipment.
- He / She has his / her ears back, tail held low.
Tips:
- Identify what is frightening your Dog and desensitize him to it. Sometimes medication is usefull. Check with your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication while you work on behavior modification.
- Mute noise from outside by leaving your Dog in a basement or windowless room and leave on a television, radio or some kind of sound.
- Be aware of outdoor views that might be causing a fear response. Close curtains or doors to certain rooms.
4) Your Dog may be barking due to separation anxiety if:
- The barking occurs only when you’re gone.
- Your Dog displays other behaviors that reflect a strong attachment to you.
- Your Dog has recently experienced a change in the family, change in environment or loss of someone.
Tips:
- Counter-conditioning and Desensitization.
Woef, Champi...
