Mar 09 2010
Stop Your Dog From Barking Excessively
Dogs bark to communicate. Some breeds bark more than other breeds but all dogs bark sometimes. It is when a dog barks excessively and without what seems to be a good reason that everyone gets annoyed. We all want communication from our dogs but nobody wants a dog that barks and barks for no apparent reason.
There are quite a few reasons why a dog will bark. If your dog is bored because he stays in the house or the same yard all the time he may start barking to entertain himself. Dogs love social stimulation and interacting with others. Try to incorporate more playtimes or go for more walks. This may help your dog if he is barking excessively out of boredom.
Dogs can also start barking excessively because they become nervous or scared. When a dog is appropriately socialized they tend to be calm and more relaxed around different people and in different situations but if a dog is not familiar with these new things he may bark from anxiety. Train your dog to be calmer by taking him to different places and around different people. Give him a food reward while he is quiet and well behaved. This usually works well as the dog will start associating the pleasing treat with the new situation rather than nervousness.
Dogs will attempt to get your attention when they want something by barking. You want your dog to communicate with you but you do not want this type of barking to get out of control. If you respond to his barking by giving him what he wants he will continue to bark every time. Attempt to reinforce other communication behaviors by using praise and treats.
Sometimes your dog will bark excessively because you have left home and you are not with him. This barking from separation anxiety is disruptive to the neighbors and others so it is wise to try to stop it. Start when he is a puppy and put him in a crate when you leave so he can learn to be content in his own space. Also never make a big issue out of leaving home but rather just sneak away quietly. He may never know that you are gone and if he does he will not be so vocal about it.
Dogs also bark to give the people they love protection. This is a good thing, unless it happens all the time when the mailman (or mail person!) brings you the mail. In that case you should spend some time training and socializing your dog. Introduce your dog to the mailman; if you are there he should not be feeling threatened. Give him treats and praise for good behavior. Hopefully, he will get to know the mailman and not bark every single day. Do not try to stop the barking in the case of all people though as there may come a time when you will be grateful for your dog’s protective bark.
You can find dog training videos that can offer you some tips and techniques to curb excessive barking but sometimes just more socialization and more playtimes will help stop the excessive barking. The one thing you should consider though is that your dog is often barking for a reason and you should find out what that reason is. Then you can deal with the barking.
If your dog only barks for proper communication you and others like you will enjoy your dog more. Start training your dog not to bark excessively while he is still a puppy and by the time he is grown up you will know that if he is barking it is for a good reason.
