|
|
BARKING DOG
Ways to
Prevent a Dog Becoming a Barking Dog
t is perfectly normal for a dog
to bark as this a natural attribute. It is unrealistic
to believe you can somehow keep a dog from never
barking. Just as talking is part of human behavior and
meowing is essential to a cat, so barking come
naturally to a dog. Dogs bark as a reaction to changes
in their environment such as when they are outside and
it begins to rain, or if they see a cat walk nearby
when they are out for a walk, or if they believe
another animal is going to invade their territory. A
barking dog only becomes a problem if it happens too
often and continues for long periods of time. When
neighbors or people visiting you begin to complain
about your dog barking then you know it is time to
find an effective, but kind method to tone down your
barking dog.
Understand that dogs are very sociable animals and
enjoy the company of people as well as other dogs.
When dogs are left alone for a long durations of time
and/or are confined to a small area (such as a room in
your house or a pen in the backyard) and unable to run
around, they often look for a way to release energy
and vent their frustration, so they begin barking. It
may sound silly but barking sometimes becomes a habit
to a dog and often an avenue of entertainment because
it has to find a way to amuse himself so he chooses to
use his voice for that purpose. Many dogs like the
sound of their own barking and continue to do it
because it is fun. Keep in mind too that dogs often
learn that barking will get your attention and
therefore they do it so you will come running.
Remember that most well adjusted happy dogs do not
engage in consistent barking. Excessive barking is
often the hallmark of a bored, frustrated, lonely or
scared dog. You can work to make sure your dog never
comes to feel desperate in any way. A dog that is
happy and well adjusted is one that gets plenty of
exercise, lots of water, adequate food and plenty of
love and attention from you. A dog that knows he or
she is well loved is likely to be more at ease with
himself while you are away from home and will languish
away the day with sleep instead of barking. Always set
aside time every day for your dog. In that way he is
very much like a child who wants you to pay attention.
Play with your dog, take the time to train him or her
and make exercise a regular part of his daily routine.
Obedience training is important to raise a
well-behaved dog but always make it as creative and
interesting as possible as this kind of dog training
is as physical as it is mental. Dogs prefer the
physical more than the mental aspects so keep your
focus on what is likely to keep your dog listening to
you. Obedience training can help banish barking that
can grate on the nerves. Make your obedience time as
much of a game as possible. Go for a fast moving game
that engages all of the dog’s physical and mental
faculties, such as "Come here, sit, heel, sit, heel,
down, stay come here for hugs, a massage, a
celebration of praise and treats."
Don’t keep your dog out in the backyard away from your
family and other dogs for most of the time. If you do
then why did you get a dog in the first place? Dogs
crave love and, companionship and they are also very
sociable. If your dog constantly barks when he or she
is out in the backyard then loneliness is more than
likely the problem. Pay him or her more attention by
allowing her some social exercise and social time.
Running around the backyard is not enough exercise for
her. This is akin to what people do when they feel
nervous or stressed, such as pacing and fidgeting.
Take her for walks in the neighborhood so she can run,
see, smell and explore what is around. Dogs have an
insatiable curiosity and want to learn everything they
can about their surroundings. Allow your dog to
investigate the environment. If you have a dog park in
your area take your dog there so he or she can make
other dog friends. It will give you the opportunity to
get to know other dog owners as well.
Bring your dog inside when you are home and make
yourself available to him or her. Make your dog feel
as if she is an essential part of the family and the
continuous barking that annoyed everyone is not likely
to be a problem anymore. Also provide her with toys to
play with and ensure that some are chew toys that are
likely to keep her occupied and content
|
|
