Help! My dog always barks

Learn why your dog is barking and how to limit the habit. Written By: Camille L. Adams a contributor for Bark Buckle UP from Mission: P.E.T.S.

Unbeknownst to some, barking is a way of communication for dogs. A perfectly natural and normal way for them to share, verbally, what they want or how they feel. Just as we talk to each other, dogs use their voice, too, in barks, growls, howls and/or whines. You may not be able to (or want to) stop your dog from barking ALL of the time, but you can definitely control the habit. To limit your dog’s “nuisance” barking, let’s first understand why dogs bark.

Some reasons dogs Bark...

In almost every case, if your dog is barking, there is a reason why! It could be a response to something that is stimulating his senses, or a warning that there is an underlying problem in your dog’s life. Just as easily as he could be barking to stake claims on his property, he could be barking to ask for help. It is most important to evaluate your dog and find out why he is barking.

“Hi Mom and Dad! Bark! Bark!”

Does your dog get excitable when you come home from work, an event or simply a ride to the grocery store? Does he bark as a way to show you he’s happy you are home, again? This may flatter you, but barking and jumping, excitedly, as you or guests arrive is a sign that something is off balance in your dog’s world. He may be lonely or bored. He may have excess energy and this is his way of burning some off.

Dogs who are isolated or confined for long periods of time, without walking or another form of supervised exercise, need an outlet for their pent-up energy. Barking could very easily become a new habit for him.

“But I thought you wanted me to bark?”

You may not realize it, but sometimes we encourage, even teach, our dogs to bark as a form of communicating to us their needs. If your dog barks when he wants to go out, what is your immediate response? You open the door and let him out, don’t you? And when he barks from outside, do you open the door to let him back in the house? Are there other times that you can remember where you responded to his barking? For a treat? Dinner? A walk? A game of tug-of-war? Inconsistency leads to confusion; if you are telling your dog to stop barking at the door bell, but praising him with a mouthful of treats when he barks by the jar, chances are he is confused.

“Hey, you! This is MY yard! Back off!”

Another common reason your dog may be barking is to assert dominance and deter unwanted guests or intruders. Barking is an instinctive response to territorial threats, to scare away other animals and people who seem dangerous.

OK, I know why my dog barks. Now, how can I
minimize this behavior?

The reason your dog is barking will determine the type of training technique(s) you will use to control the habit. Above all, you must realize that barking can be a result of loneliness, boredom, frustration or fear. You can help alleviate some of these situations by spending some quality time with your dog, playing, training and exercising him.

If your dog is not obedience trained, you may want to consider taking him to a professional class taught by a local trainer (see following paragraphs to read more about this). But, for those of you with “graduates” of doggie training classes, obedience at home is a great mental stimulation. Mental stimulation is a great way to tire your dog out. You can try lessons in “sit” or “stay” and “come.” When he succeeds, praise him with lots of hugs, massages and treats. Try to keep training fun and change up the routine to prevent boredom.

Dogs need exercise! Walks around the neighborhood or local park will allow your dog time to sniff away at his surroundings and soak in plenty of scent and sight stimulation. Having a large yard is not sufficient exercise for a dog. He may run around in circles, chasing squirrels or playing ball, but this is just a way for him to relieve some pent up energy. This should never replace a long walk. And what’s more, if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors in the yard alone, he may feel lonely and separated from you. Bring him in the house and let him feel like he is part of your family, spending quality time lounging with you.

Social animals by nature, dogs love to have friends! Trips to the doggie park can help tire him out. The romping and playing together will keep him stimulated and help him to rest better at home. *Before taking your dog to the park, be sure he is well mannered, and well trained and shows no sign of aggression with other dogs. You can find more about the dog park and evaluating your dog to see if he is ready in our archives:

http://missionpets.com/archives.html -- Choose the Summer 2009 issue and go to page 46 for an article entitled, “Is your dog ready for the doggie park?”

Consistency is key. Sometimes when your dog barks, you scold him. When you see a strange man hanging around outside your home and your dog barks, you praise him. When he barks to go outside, you let him out. Your dog does not know the difference between “acceptable” barking and “nuisance” barking. A simple way to resolve this issue of inconsistency is to put a command to this scenario. Allow your dog to bark, but let him know that when you say “Shhh” or “No bark” - or any command you like best - that means he must stop barking immediately. This is an obedience command, not a word to scold your dog with. You must remain calm in order for this trick to work, as with any training commands. You can also use a hand command instead of words.

When your dog is barking, you can praise him. After a moment, give him your command to stop barking and instantly distract him by waving a treat or favorite toy under his nose. This should make him stop barking. While he is quiet, tell him what a good boy he is and let him have the treat or toy (only once he has stopped barking). Repeat this several times the first time, and continuously until your dog understands the command and what behavior you are seeking.

Another vital essential to this training “recipe” is patience. Odds are your dog has picked up a bad case of the barks and it has become habit for him. This is not a problem that will be corrected overnight. Remain patient and persistent and calmly repeat your exercise and commands each and every day.

Although his barking may drive you up the wall, remain calm and peaceful. If you are frustrated, you will only add to his excitement, frustration or fear (whatever he is displaying when barking). Dogs are carbon copies of us; they act out how we feel. If we are aggravated, they are sure to act up. If you want to teach your dog to remain calm and stop barking, and for him to become balanced, you’ll need to do the same.

If you are already exercising your dog, practicing commands and obedience training, you may need to up your ante. Your dog may have an abundance of pent-up energy to release before he can become balanced and calm, and ultimately stop barking. You can try jogging with your dog, riding the bike alongside him, try agility training, or doggie interactive games likes puzzles (yes, they sell these - you can find some like those by Nina Ottosson at http://www.nina-ottosson.com/index_english.htm).

If you have tried everything, or if your dog is not familiar with obedience training, it’s time to get some professional help. There are many trainers available, all using unique training methods. You should have no trouble finding the right one for you and your dog. To find a suitable trainer, try calling organizations like APDT, IAABC, NADOI and the CCPDT, groups that strongly encourage and/or require continuing education for their trainers. Another sign of a good trainer is that he or she cares about your pet’s health. You should be required to bring a health certificate or proof of vaccinations prior to joining any class. Ask to sit in on a class. Observe the students and dogs. Everyone should be happy and enjoying themselves. A good trainer will NEVER use violence as a method of training or correction.

Remember, dog barking is natural and instinctual. While it may not be enjoyable, there is a time and place for barking. Stay persistent, patient and consistent and your dog will catch on to your needs and wants in no time. One day soon you’ll be able to say “no bark” -- and it will be followed with silence! Again, enjoy your time training your dog. This could become some great quality time for you two to bond.


About; Mission: P.E.T.S. (Passion, Education, Togetherness, Salvation) is a FREE online magazine for dedicated animal lovers. Created by Camille L. Adams, to fulfill a childhood dream, Mission: P.E.T.S. is dedicated and solely interested in enriching and saving the lives of animals, together, with YOU. Through passion and education, Mission: P.E.T.S. is sure that we can make a difference. Our mission is to provide knowledge, awareness and fun for our viewers and our readers. We are completely dedicated to the world of animals, bettering the lives of both animals and the people who love them. In our quarterly e-zine, you can get how-to tips from the experts on proper care, safety & training techniques. Learn how to deepen the bond with your companion animals, read about volunteer organizations & rescue efforts, (and find out how you can help). Open your eyes to unique & alternative wellness techniques and so much more! Best of all, this wealth of knowledge is absolutely, 100% FREE! We invite you to share your ideas, stories and photos with us! And check out our online shop. A % of all profits go to animal rescue and other worthy non-profits. For your FREE subscription, please go to: www.missionpets.com/enroll.html and to read our current issue, go to www.missionpets.com/magazine.html.

About: Bark Buckle UP® founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” works with first responders nationwide teaching pet safety and has buckled UP more then 10,000 pets. Education is the first step to show that pet safety is connected to human safety, which helps to save lives. Christina has been featured in more then 1200 TV, radio, segments including print and online takes it over tens of thousands, Bark Buckle UP received more then 100 MILLION in circulations/impressions in 2008 and she has directed, produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.