Author: Sekar Ram
Incessant dog barking is an annoying and nuisance behavior that
needs to be curbed at early stages. Other than natural reasons there
are situations when they bark for no apparent cause. Understanding the
reasons for barking is an essential first step in dealing with this
problem.
Dog barking is a natural behavior of expressing their mood, excitement
and to get your attention to their needs. Along with their
vocalization, tail movements and facial aspects they convey different
meaning depending on the situation.
Here are some instances where they convey different meaning.
High-pitched short tonal bark with swift tail wags when he is in a
playful mood. Low gruff bark gradually increasing to howling when
somebody is at the door or near the house. Loud bark with raised
hackles when he sees another dog or cat. High pitched incessant bark
when he is lonely or distressed and so on.
Once you identify the causes of barking then finding a solution to stop
barking is easier. Key reasons for barking are underlying behavioral
issue and situations and surroundings aiding to the barking. Natural
instinct barks are very normal and should not be suppressed.
Now, let's see ways to stop your dog's problem barking which is repetitive and annoying:
* Your dog must learn first what is expected of him and what is not. If
he barks to get your attention and manipulates you to give in to his
needs then it is not good. If you give him a treat or play whenever he
barks then it reinforces that behavior and he will do even more in the
future. Turn away from him and simply disregard his barks. He may be
surprised and bark harder at first by your action but the more
consistent you are the effective control it would be.
* Teach him "quiet" or "enough" command whenever he barks. Explore the
reason for barking before you hush him. Pat him and praise him
immediately when he stops barking. He will learn to be quiet by
associating the command with the praise.
* Barking as a means to display dominant behavior: If the dog refuses
to obey and continues to bark back to you with aggression, then he
believes that he is the leader of the pack. It's very important that
your dog recognizes that you outrank him as the leader an Alpha dog and
he is below you. They are well behaved under a leadership and form a
strong bond with you based on trust and respect.
* Boredom is another reason for constant barking. Dogs need to be
engaged constantly and exercised enough to get rid of their boredom.
Take your dog for a long walk every day or spend time with interactive
plays like fetching the ball.
* Loneliness and Separation anxiety can trigger incessant barking: The
anxiety that builds up with time when your dog is alone can cause him
to bark constantly in an attempt to get out of that situation. Exercise
him enough to tire him out so that he sleeps when you are away and
provide enough chewy items and toys to engage him till you return.
Shock collars to curb dog barking is inhumane and is strongly
discouraged. Positive reinforcement is an effective approach for all
behavior issues.
About the Author:
Don't live in frustration with your dog barking and other dog behavior problems. Visit EZ Dog Training Tips
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