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.
Breed specific legislation otherwise known as "BSL" has started to... Read More
There are plenty of reasons why your cat loves you.... Read More
Dogs are a fantastic edition to any family but like... Read More
You know that cats should always have a supply of... Read More
There is a dangerous problem that horse owners should be... Read More
Is your dog or cat tormented by ear infections? Do... Read More
Your new living room furniture is in tatters. Your nerves... Read More
What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More
A couple of years ago a Japanese electronics company came... Read More
As a business, I've not been in the holistic pet... Read More
When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I... Read More
Does your dog have that sheepish look? It could be... Read More
So you want to keep discus fish or are already... Read More
This may come as a surprise...but if the tables were... Read More
Let me introduce my dogs. I have 3, Nikki and... Read More
When you get a puppy, one of the first things... Read More
You Must Be The Alpha DogFirst, let's take a look... Read More
Has your pet recently been coughing, eating less, or being... Read More
If you thought dog noses were just a source of... Read More
Are you concerned when your dog or cat eats grass,... Read More
Brings live to your community tanksMany freshwater fish-keepers have a... Read More
Canine Diabetes: A Serious Dog Disease That is Completely ManageableCanine... Read More
Before we talk about using the essential oils, we first... Read More
According to recent statistics, an astounding 65% of all U.S.... Read More
For realistic tips for humans who are moving with cats,... Read More
Wood Dale limo ..Pomeranians have tiny mouths and itty bitty teeth, but not... Read More
This is an 11 step guide to setting up a... Read More
Dog obedience training begins with the owner. There are several... Read More
So what does it mean to float a horse's teeth?... Read More
What is Canine Distemper?Canine distemper is a highly contagios disease... Read More
If you are seriously considering keeping fish as pets or... Read More
Fleas have plagued dogs, cats, and their owners since time... Read More
On the surface playing Frisbee with your dog may seem... Read More
Puppies need to go to the bathroom after they play,... Read More
For all pet owners, regular monitoring and "examinations" of your... Read More
What is Canine Bloat?Bloat refers to the bloating of the... Read More
Do you want to save money, anxiety for your kitty,... Read More
1. What is heat?Heat is more properly called the estrous... Read More
When selecting the best dry food for your dog, why... Read More
Dogs are believed to be descendants of wild wolves. They... Read More
Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it's Too LateCanine distemper... Read More
Reading a pet food label, how difficult can it be?... Read More
Scientific Name: Botia macracanthus Other Scientific Name(s): Cobitis macracanthus, Botia... Read More
Pet's, any kind of pet can be a welcome addition... Read More
It is hard to get an early diagnosis of lyme... Read More
Bringing home a Pug can change our life, but it... Read More
How to Deal With Anxiety in Your DogAnxiety in dogs... Read More
Obesity in dogs is a growing problem, which can cause... Read More
Many pet owners don't like using a leash, for a... Read More
Canine Parvovirus, is a viral disease that attacks dogs and... Read More
Pet |