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Centuries ago humans began the process of domesticating the dog and forming what "being a dog" really means. Through careful choice and breeding a variety of dog breeds have been created. Desirable traits have been chosen for in various breeds that are of a advantage to people. There are some traits, though, that quickly become unwanted when expressed too often. Barking is for instance a natural behavior that is encouraged in regards of guarding behavior, but becomes a dilemma when the behavior is excessive. It was noted in a recent survey that the most disruptive and stressful noise for people is that of a incessantly barking dog.

Why Do Dogs Bark?

In addition to whining, howling, and growling; barking is a dog's natural way of communicating.

Barking: is a series of short, sharp sounds that tend to vary little in tone or pitch.

A dog’s bark can imply your dogs are protection mode, showing dominance, or telling you he needs something. Barking is "a means of communication triggered by a state of excitement." It is natural for your dog to bark, it only becomes a behavior issue when it is unnecessary barking, in excess.

Problem Barking

There are a variety of explanations for problem barking. For one, genetics have an influence on a dog's predisposition to bark. Breeds in the terrier family are known to frequent barking more than other breeds. Nevertheless, excess barking can exist in ANY breed. The answer to solving the problem is to establish what is triggering the behavior.

Improper confinement can be a major cause of problem barkers. This is leaving a dog locked room alone, or in a crate. As well as being tied up outdoors, or even an enclosed yard without shelter from the weather. This confinement causes a frustrated dog that barks a lot.

A dog that does not get enough exercise has a lot of pent up
energy can be released through barking.

The outside world can be a significant trigger for barking. Neighbors, traffic, sirens, even the television can set off barking depending on the time of day. A dog may not be as sensitive to these sounds during the day, but when night falls the barking is set off by the slightest noise.

Separation Anxiety is also a reason for barking. The temperament of the dog is another consideration.

A over-aggressive dog may bark at the smallest irritation.

A over-protective territorial dog to bark will bark at strangers or unknown guests.

Solutions?!

Excess barking can be a severe behavioral problem and can mean the end of the relationship with your dog or worse the dog itself if left untreated.

Here are some tips on how to solve the barking problem

First determine if your dog is barking because of improper confinement or lack of shelter from the weather. If that is the case re-access the space that your dog is being kept. Is he comfortable? Is it enough space? If your dog is left outside, do you have a dog house? Does your dog have enough shelter from the elements?

Does your dog need more exercise? It could help the problem as well.

If environmental noises are the trigger for the barking, or it is your dogs temperament, behavioral modification methods should be used. These methods include reconditioning using a oral reprimand such as "No!", and leash correction. Do NOT yell at your dog, loud noises will encourage your dog to continue to bark. Keep in mind that if you want your dog to associate the undesirable behavior with the punishment it should be applied while the barking is occurring. Don’t forget to reward your dog once the barking stops.

Another method is Indirect Intervention, which has a variety of techniques. Such as squirting your dog with water while it barks or devices that use high frequency sound that interrupts the bark and is controlled by you.

As the absolute final resort, when all methods have failed, and the dogs well-being is on the line there is a surgical procedure, a vocal cordectomy aka debarking, that removes part of the vocal cords.

When it comes to the problem of excessive barking, just remember that the first step is understanding, and then determine how you can resolve the issue with the most effective method. Modifying an instinctive and natural behavior can be tricky, and may require significant amount of patience, time, and hard work. Solutions are achievable and worth the attempt.

It was morning and you opened the front door to grab the newspaper from your porch. Your dog spots a cat in the yard, and darts out of the open door and across the street before you can react. Your heart is in your throat. The fear that he will be hit by a car rushes over you. When he finally comes to your calls, you are upset and you discipline him for chasing the cat and not coming the first time you called.

From your dog’s point of view he got to chase a cat, which was fun. Then when he returned to you he was in trouble which was not fun. You wanted him to know that it is not okay to chase the cat, but what he really learned was that coming to you was unkind.

Remember that when you call your dog, you want him to come. Whenever he comes to you, be nice. No matter what he might have gotten into greet him with kindness and a pat on the head. This teaches your dog to trust you. Anytime that he follows you, comes to you, make him feel wanted.

A dog’s behavior can sometimes be utterly frustrating, ringing you a half chewed up brand new shoe for example. It is important to remember that at that moment your dog does not understand that he has done something wrong. The only thing he understands is that you are angry, but not why.

Punishment after the fact is cruel and inhumane. The answers are in the prevention and training. Prevention means you are providing your pet with enough outlets for his energy. Training means teaching your dog to follow your command.

Being consistent with your commands & the tone of your commands!

Colonial Animal Hospital

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Colonial Animal Hospital