Puppies and dogs, as mentioned, are social creatures. When
they don’t get the attention they need, then a bark is their
method of telling you something. It’s your job to figure out
the reasons behind the barking and then ease the tension of
whatever is causing your puppy or dog to do so. At the
same time, you are also teaching him that barking (in certain
situations) isn’t acceptable behavior. If you do not take such
training seriously, you may not get thrown out of the
neighborhood, but you may receive a visit from the police
regarding animal ordinances!
There are a lot of reasons why your dog might be barking.
First, he might be lonely or bored. There are distinctive barks
for these feelings. If he barks at random and whines shortly
after, this might be the case. Be sure that you give your dog
plenty of attention each day. Groom, pet, hug and play
games with him too. If there are certain days where you
might be too busy, try hiring a dog walker, neighbor or even
a doggy daycare clinic to help attend to the needs of your
animal.
Your dog could be frustrated. Is there a squirrel that taunts
the dog while he’s outside or a cat that climbs around the
shrubs? If it’s something like this, he is simply operating
from instinct. When your dog barks, repeat, “NO BARK”
and give him a chew toy instead to occupy him until you can
take care of the matter.
Is your dog hungry or thirsty? Be sure your dog’s basic
needs are met. Even humans get grumpy and out of whack
when they’re hungry and tired. Should you expect any less
from your canine? Is your dog requesting you for some
other reason?
Your dog could be scared of something. Is there a loud
sound in the distance? Your neighbor could be using a
chainsaw or other yard machinery that intermittingly causes
your dog frustration.
If you cannot get rid of the cause of the bark, you may want
to try a couple of other methods for controlling your dog’s
barking behavior. First, try the squirt bottle method. When
your dog barks, immediately squirt him in the face with
clean water. It’s unpleasant and he’ll quickly associate
barking with water in the face. Be sure to use the correct
timing. If he barks and you squirt him in the face five
minutes later, there will be no association and the barking
will only continue.
Another method widely use is specialized collar that emits
an odor (usually citronella) when the dog barks. This is
effective if you’re not home during parts of the day or night.
Be sure to never use shock collars and never use surgical
means (that are available) to ‘debark’ your dog.
Other than that, give your dog toys and keep him indoors
when you’re not at home. Play games outdoors such as fetch
and Frisbee. Be sure to teach him the “QUIET” command.
Try attending obedience classes with your dog. He’ll learn to
socialize more once the tension from the new environment
around other dogs subsides. And, don’t forget to neuter (or
spay) your pet. This will decrease his territorial desires.
If the barking is still uncontrollable, you might consider
talking to your vet. There could be something wrong or
irritating your dog, such as the food you’re using. Barking is
quite natural, but it’s your job to teach him when and where
is an appropriate time. He is, after all, just trying to
communicate something to you, his loveable owner!
About the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at
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Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.
