Many dog owners find themselves frustrated, deeply concerned and even embarrassed by their dog's constant barking. Currently, there are approximately 63 million dogs owned by 44 million Americans. And just over one third of those owners complain of excessive barking.
Allowing your dog to bark excessively can be hazardous to it's safety. I should know, I lost my dog because of it. I found out that excessive barking is one of the major reasons that people end up losing their dog. It's a problem that nobody likes to talk about or admit to.
Here are some practical solutions to three of the most common dog barking complaints.
Complaint # One: Your dog barks for more than 15 minutes continuously, or off and on for more than half an hour - especially after you leave the house. Better known as separation anxiety.
Solution: Even the Queen of Talk herself, Oprah Winfrey suffered from this problem. The key is to not make a big deal when you are leaving the house. Many people feel guilty and start apologizing to their pooch when they have to leave it alone. Don't! That negative energy will affect your dog. Your dog can feel your stress and will play into it, causing nervous barking. How you react will dictate how your pup reacts. Leave calmly without exciting your dog. Better yet, do something to preoccupy your dog so she's not focused on you when you are about to leave.
Complaint # Two: Outside sounds cause your dog to bark for long periods of time.
Solution: You need to do something to block out those noises. You may want to consider putting your dog in a room as far away from the main street as possible and don't let him have free reign of the house. And while he's in there, try turning on a radio (preferably classical music or a soft style of music) to calm your dog. It's really true that music soothes the savage beast.
Complaint # Three: Your dog constantly barks, whines or whimpers due to stress or anxiety or for any reason at all.
Solution: This can be a tough one for most people but, DO NOT give your dog attention when it's behaving like this. Too many people unwittingly contribute to this particular problem by picking up their dog or going to him when he starts to bark or whine. Your dog is learning that in order to get attention from you, barking and whining is the way to do it. He's controlling you. And by you picking him up or giving in to him in some way, you're reinforcing that. Remember, YOU are the boss, not your dog. The way to break your dog of that habit is to ignore the unwanted behavior and only praise your dog when it is not barking. Then he'll get the message that he only gets what he wants (attention or affection) when he gives you what you want (a calm quiet dog).
No dog owner should suffer the guilt, pain or embarrassment of having a dog that barks constantly. Finally, dog owners can safely leave Fido alone knowing he's happy and quiet. And no more worrying about dirty looks from the neighbors. All it takes is knowing the proper way to deal with the behavior.
About the Author:
Cynthia Alexander is a former dog trainer and author of the electronic book "The Ultimate Guide to Stop Your Dog from Barking?FAST." Ms. Alexander gives many detailed answers to all kinds of nuisance barking problems, including separation anxiety. It is available via immediate download for $29.97 at http://www.stopyourbarking.com - A must have for anyone dealing with excessive barking.
Last summer, we added a new pet to our family... Read More
It is very important to decide whether to keep your... Read More
Bringing a new puppy or dog home is a huge... Read More
If you're like me, then you don't really have the... Read More
Many people ask the question: "Should we get a purebreed... Read More
Dog training is not rocket science and is not as... Read More
When you get a new puppy it is imperative that... Read More
Puppy development and growth is very exciting. After a puppy... Read More
Your mind-set, approach and way of thinking (beliefs) are critical... Read More
Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More
A New Understanding of AllergiesAllergies of all kinds seem to... Read More
Nervous cats hide from people, they do not readily present... Read More
You might think the most important bit of dog health... Read More
So what does it mean to float a horse's teeth?... Read More
Many dogs today suffer from itchy skin caused by a... Read More
As overwhelming as picking out a pet bird can be,... Read More
Did you know that dog toys are actually good for... Read More
You can look at westhighland terriers and know if it... Read More
Fleas are wingless, blood-sucking insects that feed on dog, cats,... Read More
The benefits of feeding live food to fish in a... Read More
If you have ever tried to take a picture of... Read More
Even if you haven't had a run-in involving your pet... Read More
You love your dog. You would do anything for your... Read More
More and more folks are looking to the Internet to... Read More
Would you put together a model plane without looking at... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..If you are keeping tetras, chances are you are breeding... Read More
Bringing a new puppy or dog home is a huge... Read More
Part2: Does your puppy want to be crate trained?Yes! in... Read More
I was doing some research on dog health when I... Read More
Animal lovers come in all shapes and sizes. Undoubtedly if... Read More
The Discus fish has its habitat in the South American... Read More
The idea of picking up a horse's hooves can intimidate... Read More
This is a question that has been asked of me... Read More
The other day, I was invited to see my friend's... Read More
Have you noticed that doctors are now being much more... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
Hamster breeding can sometimes be confusing for a hamster owner.... Read More
Teaching your puppy crate training is the first and best... Read More
Cat arthritis is not a very common ailment among healthy... Read More
Your poor pooch is scratching himself all over. Plus, you... Read More
Our pets give us so much. They entertain us, listen... Read More
Just like when you bring home a new baby, you... Read More
Over the past couple of years, animal rescues have been... Read More
What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More
Which cat food should you feed your cat to be... Read More
You may be hearing more talk these days about "Essential... Read More
Dogs have been known as man's best friend for decades.... Read More
This is general information on Discus, a member of the... Read More
The first thing to do when searching for a lost... Read More
Do you really get the fullest amount of enjoyment out... Read More
Pet |