Problem Barking-What to Do When Your Dogs Barking is The Neighborhood Nuisance

Puppies and dogs, as mentioned, are social creatures. When they don't get the attention they need, then a bark is their method of telling you something. It's your job to figure out the reasons behind the barking and then ease the tension of whatever is causing your puppy or dog to do so. At the same time, you are also teaching him that barking (in certain situations) isn't acceptable behavior. If you do not take such training seriously, you may not get thrown out of the neighborhood, but you may receive a visit from the police regarding animal ordinances!

There are a lot of reasons why your dog might be barking. First, he might be lonely or bored. There are distinctive barks for these feelings. If he barks at random and whines shortly after, this might be the case. Be sure that you give your dog plenty of attention each day. Groom, pet, hug and play games with him too. If there are certain days where you might be too busy, try hiring a dog walker, neighbor or even a doggy daycare clinic to help attend to the needs of your animal.

Your dog could be frustrated. Is there a squirrel that taunts the dog while he's outside or a cat that climbs around the shrubs? If it's something like this, he is simply operating from instinct. When your dog barks, repeat, "NO BARK" and give him a chew toy instead to occupy him until you can take care of the matter.

Is your dog hungry or thirsty? Be sure your dog's basic needs are met. Even humans get grumpy and out of whack when they're hungry and tired. Should you expect any less from your canine? Is your dog requesting you for some other reason?

Your dog could be scared of something. Is there a loud sound in the distance? Your neighbor could be using a chainsaw or other yard machinery that intermittingly causes your dog frustration.

If you cannot get rid of the cause of the bark, you may want to try a couple of other methods for controlling your dog's barking behavior. First, try the squirt bottle method. When your dog barks, immediately squirt him in the face with clean water. It's unpleasant and he'll quickly associate barking with water in the face. Be sure to use the correct timing. If he barks and you squirt him in the face five minutes later, there will be no association and the barking will only continue.

Another method widely use is specialized collar that emits an odor (usually citronella) when the dog barks. This is effective if you're not home during parts of the day or night. Be sure to never use shock collars and never use surgical means (that are available) to 'debark' your dog. Other than that, give your dog toys and keep him indoors when you're not at home. Play games outdoors such as fetch and Frisbee. Be sure to teach him the "QUIET" command.

Try attending obedience classes with your dog. He'll learn to socialize more once the tension from the new environment around other dogs subsides. And, don't forget to neuter (or spay) your pet. This will decrease his territorial desires.

If the barking is still uncontrollable, you might consider talking to your vet. There could be something wrong or irritating your dog, such as the food you're using. Barking is quite natural, but it's your job to teach him when and where is an appropriate time. He is, after all, just trying to communicate something to you, his loveable owner!

About the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at Dog Gifts and Toys for Dog Lovers.

Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.

---

7 Simple Ways To Safe Guard Your Dog This Summer!

If you have a hard time in summer imagine how... Read More

Lyme Disease in Dogs

It is hard to get an early diagnosis of lyme... Read More

Can Cats And Dogs Live Together As Friends?

Can cats and dogs live together without constantly being at... Read More

West Highland White Terrier - Westies - Training Success Tips

The West Highland Terrier is a friendly dog, and is... Read More

My Fathers Daughter

My dad was an avid animal lover. We grew up... Read More

Dog Clicker Training

Dog clicker training is so much fun for both dogs... Read More

What You Need To Know To Keep Your Dog Safe In Your Car

Man's Best Friend is a great companion around the home,... Read More

Weaning Puppies Is Only Natural

Weaning puppies is a perfectly natural process. Mamma dogs have... Read More

Dog Obediance Tips...

Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More

Nutrition and Your Dogs Behavior

Nutrition and Your Dog's Behavior Proper nutrition is the fundamental... Read More

Pet Food Label Secrets Revealed! Know What You Are Feeding Your Dog And Cat

Reading a pet food label, how difficult can it be?... Read More

10 Greatest Puppy Training Tips of All Time

The 10 Greatest Puppy Training Tips of All Time According... Read More

Dog Behavior Training: Methods of Working with a Shy Dog

Shy dogs are more common than most people think, but... Read More

Media Influence on Public Perception of Exotic Cat Ownership

What makes something news? The fact that you take good... Read More

Are You Feeding Your Cat The Right Food?

What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More

Mommy, Can I Keep That Stray Dog?

How many times have you seen this situation where a... Read More

Love Your Animal Companion? Spay or Neuter

Ozzie, my four-month old Rottweiler peered up at me with... Read More

Personal Pet Check-Ups

For all pet owners, regular monitoring and "examinations" of your... Read More

Why the Heck Would You Have a Pet Snake (or lizard, crocodile, monitor, frog, turtle etc)?

This is a question that has been asked of me... Read More

Things You Should Never Feed Your Dog

Sadly, there are several household items which we tend to... Read More

Canine Mastitis

Canine mastitis is a breast infection in brood bitches, usually... Read More

Do You Know About Boxer Dogs?

Boxer Dogs Information - What Are Boxer Dogs? Boxer dogs... Read More

Secret Signal That Tells You Your Dog is Ready and Eager to Learn

No one knows your dog better than you, and as... Read More

Responsible Dog Ownership

With all the companionship and love that our dogs give... Read More

Pet Peeve: Dogs Doing Business Where Not Wanted

We've recently moved into a new apartment complex that really... Read More