If you have a dog more than likely he or she barks. Dogs need an outlet for pent up energy and barking may be their release. Sick and tired of your barking dog?  Chances are, you’re not alone. Unwanted barking is one of  the most common behavior problems. What causes this?  Well, that’s what you need to figure out before you can control it.

      Dogs may bark to let you know someone  is at the door, or the neighbors dog is barking and your dog  feels it has to answer or letting your neighbors know he does not like being home alone. 

       Correcting the problem may start with insuring your dogs respond appropriately to the basic commands sit, stay and come. If your dog does not know these commands I would suggest taking an obedience class. An obedience class does several things.  It teaches you how to get your dog to respond to your commands,provides socialization time and teaches the dogsg what you expect from them. The class can also be a time to get important tips from the trainers.

      Attention seeking barking might have been caused by reinforcing barking by giving your dog
attention to stop the yapping. The dog may interpret your yelling at him as joining in on the fun of barking so that's not the best way to handle it. 

     Leaving your dog alone at home is necessary if you work outside your home, run errands or go to the gym. Help your dog feel okay about being alone by providing some activities that stimulate and prevent boredom behavior that can get your dog in loads of trouble.  Take your dog on a walk before you go to work or before you have to leave the home for an extended time.  All dogs need appropriate exercise, stimulation and time to bond with you in a healthy way.  During your daily walk allow your pet to explore and greet other dogs for socialization such as what  a dog park provides.

        Provide fun toys for your dog as toys  can provide the stimulating activity your dogs needs and prevents separation  anxiety , home alone barking and whining.  Providing toys that release treats as the dog plays are good and there are even toys that give treats and and play a recording of you voice as your dog plays. Provide toys that make you dog exert some energy  to get the most fun out of it.  Time and attention from you will help your dog learn that  there’s no need to bark for your attention.

        If separation anxiety has occurred there are CD's of music for dogs to relax them . They have also been recommended  in situations where your dog is barking out of fear such as during thunderstorms .  These CD's can be played when you are home also so that the dog associates the music with pleasant things. During thunderstorms you can also play the radio or TV  to mask noises and offer treats to your dog if he remains calm.

      If strange people provoke barking, get your friends to help.  Have
them walk by and approach your dog.  Have them ask the dog to sit, and when he does quietly 
reward him with a treat. He’ll learn to associate unfamiliar people with treats. 

      Barking when you’re not home? This could be separation anxiety. If your dog is especially
attached to you or his routine has changed due to divorce, a move, or a death in the family
(human or canine) this could be the reason for all of the barking  Start a course of desensitization. At first, take small and very short trips out and back.  Leave fun toys and yummy treats for your pet.  Your dog will slowly learn to behave when you’re gone.  
 

       It's important to know that  in most cases barking is  caused by fear, loneliness, boredom and frustration. These are all things you can do something about. Expend your dogs pent up energy by a brisk walk before leaving. After a walk most dogs will sleep the day away while your gone. Leave plenty of time for interactive play between you and your dog.  Time together can help to build a stable bond. Dogs are social animals and need to  spend time with humans. You can teach your dog when to bark and when to stop barking. Even nuisance barking can be stopped with positive reinforcement training . It may take time. Each unwanted bark should be corrected.

     We have a yellow Labrador Retriever  named Baer. we have trained him to bark in two situations using treats initially.  I  did not spray him with water , throw a can filled with coins at him or put him in a crate.  I do like crates for other purposes. One of the times he is allowed to bark is when there are salesmen or unwanted people at the door.  I send him to the door by saying "go get them". I use the command "enough" in a calm voice. (no yelling allowed) when I want him to stop. When he returns to me I praise him and give him a quick massage. The only other time he is allowed to bark is when we ask him his name. I did it you can too with persistence and patience.

    It does take time to control barking behavior for whatever reason your dog is barking. Find the words and solutions that work for you. No yelling ,please.

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        Fran Gratton  RubMyBellyToo.com  POB 107  116 Gay Street Phoenixville, PA 19460  610-933-5810  888-558-3837

                                                          I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.   Phillipians 4:13