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 dog gifts and toys for dog lovers.
Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.
You spoil your pooch as close to rotten as you... Read More
If you are having behavioral issues with your dog that... Read More
Let's take a look at the different stages, but before... Read More
Because it is imperative that discus fish have optimal water... Read More
I have encountered folks who have complained to me about... Read More
One of the reasons I strongly encourage horse owners to... Read More
A crate is a valuable and useful training tool. Its... Read More
Behavior can be a huge iisue with our pets. If... Read More
Dog obedience training begins with the owner. There are several... Read More
There may be no warning before dog worms strike.It was... Read More
Did you know that dog toys are actually good for... Read More
Dogs come in many assorted breeds, shapes, and sizes. They... Read More
Are you nuts? You think banging your finger with a... Read More
Goldfish HealthcareYou would think that it's unfair that such a... Read More
I was doing some research on dog health when I... Read More
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? That's become the burning... Read More
Our pets give us so much. They entertain us, listen... Read More
Everybody loves a baby animal and Westie puppies are adorable,... Read More
If you've ever watched as a cat "flipped" over fresh... Read More
Canine Diabetes: A Serious Dog Disease That is Completely ManageableCanine... Read More
Okay, so it's not the cleanest or most appealing of... Read More
For the first 8,000 years of their relationship with humans,... Read More
The act of offering Christmas gifts is always enhanced if... Read More
Many people consider their dog to be part of their... Read More
Is your bird a seed only eater? Did you know... Read More
taxi o'hare Auburn ..Most pet owners have become very educated about their pet... Read More
Horse training can be a relatively mysterious subject to people... Read More
Tips to getting the right GoldfishGoldfish are a temperate breed... Read More
Interacting with a pet bird outside of it's cage is... Read More
Why paint your cat? After all cats are beautiful creatures... Read More
As a parent, you want to be able to give... Read More
If you are beginning to feel like an endangered species... Read More
The numbers will make any pet lover blanch with disgust,... Read More
Teaching your puppy crate training is the first and best... Read More
If you're looking for an unusual, eye-catching pet, it's hard... Read More
June is Disaster Preparedness for Pets month ? but if... Read More
There are a number of reasons for choosing natural pet... Read More
The greatest benefits of ownership is knowing that your property... Read More
Contributed with the help of Karen L Overall of the... Read More
Location of your aquariumSo, you bought your very first fish... Read More
What does doing natural preventative care mean? I thought vaccinating,... Read More
For most West Highland White Terrier owners, the dog is... Read More
Thinking of getting a pet for your little ones? How... Read More
I'm a dog lover who believes that every dog owners... Read More
Just because we moved out to the country a couple... Read More
There is nothing more adorable than a new puppy. Large... Read More
Almost all communities in the U.S. require at least one... Read More
This may come as a surprise...but if the tables were... Read More
Has your pet recently been coughing, eating less, or being... Read More
Cryptorchidism is peculiar to male dogs and a condition present... Read More
Pet |