Barking

How to Tone It Down!

Barking is normal for a dog, and it is completely unrealistic to think you can prevent your dog from barking. Just as talking comes naturally to a human and meowing comes naturally to a cat, so does barking come naturally to a dog. Dogs bark as a “natural reaction to changes in their environment” such as when they are outside and it begins to rain, or if they see a cat walk by them when they are out for a walk. Barking only becomes a problem if it happens too often and continues for long periods of time. When neighbors or people visiting you begin to complain, then you know that you must find an efficient but kind way to tone down your barking dog.

Boredom and frustration contribute to barking

First, remember that dogs are very sociable animals and enjoy the company of people as well as other dogs. When dogs are left alone for long durations of time and/or are confined to a small area (such as a room in your house or a pen in the backyard) and therefore unable to run around they often look for a way to release energy and frustration that they have so they begin barking. It sounds silly but often barking becomes a hobby to a dog because it has to find a way to entertain himself so he chooses to use his voice for that purpose. Many dogs like the sound of their own barking and continue to do it because it is fun. Keep in mind too that dogs often learn that barking will get your attention and therefore they do it so you will come running.

Keep in mind that most well adjusted happy dogs do not engage in consistent barking. Excessive barking is often the hallmark of a bored, frustrated, lonely or scared dog. You can work to make sure your dog never comes to feel desperate in any way. A dog that is happy and well adjusted is one that gets plenty of exercise, lots of water, adequate food and plenty of love and attention from you. A dog that knows he or she is well loved is likely to be more with himself while you are away from home and will languish away the day with sleep instead of barking. Always set aside time every day for your dog. In that way he is very much like a child who wants you to pay attention. Play with your dog, take the time to train him or her and make exercise a regular part of his daily routine.

Obedience training can help

Obedience training is important to raise a well-behaved dog but always make it as creative and interesting as possible as this kind of dog training is as physical as it is mental. Dogs prefer the physical more than the mental aspects so keep your focus on what is likely to keep your dog listening to you. Obedience training can help banish barking that can grate on the nerves. Make your obedience time as much of a game as possible. Go for a fast moving game that engages all of the dog’s physical and mental faculties, such as “Come here, sit, heel, sit, heel, down, stay …come here for hugs, a massage, a celebration of praise and treats.”

Don't exclude your dog

Don’t keep your dog out in the backyard away from your family and other dogs for most of the time. If you do then why did you get a dog in the first place? Dogs crave love and, companionship and they are also very sociable. If your dog constantly barks when he or she is out in the backyard then loneliness is more than likely the problem. Pay him or her more attention by allowing her some “social exercise” and “social time.” Running around the backyard is not enough exercise for her. This is akin to what people do when they feel nervous or stressed, such as pacing and fidgeting. Take her for walks in the neighborhood so she can run, see, smell and explore what is around. Dogs have an insatiable curiosity and want to learn everything they can about their surroundings. Allow your dog to investigate the environment. If you have a dog park in your area take your dog there so he or she can make other dog friends. It will give you the opportunity to get to know other dog owners as well.

Keep your dog occupied

Bring your dog inside when you are home and available to him or her. Make your dog feel as if she is an essential part of the family and continuous barking that annoys everyone is not likely to be a problem anymore. Also provide her with toys to play with and chew toys that are likely to keep her occupied and content.

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