Why Dogs Bark
23 Jun 2009
I am a dog lover. I have owned dogs all my life and have enjoyed the personalities of many different breeds. As any dog owner knows, your dog requires considerable time and attention to overcome problems.
Some of these canine behavior problems only affect your family such as potty training accidents or continual chewing. Unfortunately, excessive dog barking can affect the whole neighborhood.
Obviously, almost all dogs will bark from time to time. It is perfectly normal and natural as they are communicative creatures and some are just naturally noisier than others.
However, if your favorite friend is barking continually for long periods of time there is definitely a problem lurking that needs to be addressed.
First of all if the barking occurs while you are away from home you will need to determine when he is barking and for how long. A neighbor may be helpful or possibly a tape recorder or camcorder may help you make the determination.
Now it is up to you to learn why your dog barks.
Your Dog May Bark Because of Boredom or Loneliness:
If your dog is left for long periods of time with no interaction from you he is probably feeling socially isolated and is seeking your attention. Puppies and adolescent dogs (under age 2 -3) usually need interaction throughout the day.
Some of the more active breeds like the herding or sporting dogs may just get bored. If your dog’s surroundings are barren without toys or other companions he may be trying to tell you he needs something to do.
Your Dog May Bark Because He Is Afraid:
This type of barking occurs when there are loud or unexpected noises. Thunder is a common sound that incites fear in many dogs. Gunshots or construction equipment can also trigger fear behavior. He may bark, howl or dig to try to escape what is scaring him.
Your Dog May Bark Because He is Separated From You:
Most dogs become attached to their owners and this can vary amongst the different breeds. These types of dogs usually follow you from room to room when you are home and feel insecure when you are away.
If your dog is barking as soon as you leave and seems overly anxious when you return he could be suffering from separation anxiety.
Your Dog May Bark to Protect His Territory:
Dogs that are protecting their territory may be observed holding their tails high and ears forward while barking. If he sees delivery people and others as intruders, he may be trying to tell you there is someone there.
A dog in the yard next door may seem threatening to your dog and may be the trigger for many barking episodes.
To help your dog stop barking CLICK HERE
