You may think that your dog is perfectly well-behaved. But one day you come home from work, and your neighbor comes over to tell you that your dog barks incessantly all day long. Or maybe your dog’s barking increases at night because he is not amused that you have shut him on the other side of your bedroom door. If you have a puppy, the barking may be your reality all day, every day. The fact is, dogs bark – it is how they communicate. But when humans and canines determine to live together in the same space, circumstances may arise which necessitate you to work on muffling your dog’s barking, for everyone’s sanity.
Reasons Your Dog May Bark
Barking is a natural instinct for all dogs. They bark to greet you, to alert you to perceived danger, or to greet a favorite visitor at the door. But dogs who live in a residential home need to learn when barking is appropriate, and you can train your dog to vocalize only at certain times. For instance, you may still want him to bark when someone approaches the home, but not whenever a family member comes and goes.
There are several legitimate reasons which can explain your dog’s barking.
Separation Anxiety: In the last two years, humans have spent a lot more time at home than usual. Dogs got used to their owners being home with them and enjoyed lots of daily walks and playtime. Dogs. like children, can experience real anxiety when then separated from their “parents.” This situation is very unsettling for dogs that cannot understand why you are going back to work and thus gone all day. Your absence can be difficult to cope with, and barking is a natural response to separation anxiety.
Attention Seeking: Let’s face it, dogs can be needy. They love attention, and for better or worse, the barking often gets them the attention they are craving.
Reaction to Noises: Dogs are easily distracted by any variety of sounds, from doorbells to packages being dropped on the front porch. But it doesn’t end there – they may bark at something they hear on TV, at your neighbor slamming a car door, or at the sound of a telephone ringing. If you are gone, they may overreact to every little sound, thinking they are either protecting the house (or greeting you on your return.)
Methods to Curb Your Dog’s Barking
There are several ways you can try to quiet your dog’s barking. Overall, your aim is to teach him when barking is appropriate, and when it is not.
- If you have determined that separation anxiety is the problem, give your dog exercise before you leave the house. Incorporate playtime or a long walk before you leave, in order to tire him out.
- Do a few practice runs of leaving the house before you actually go. Take your keys and walk out the front door. Once your dog realizes that you have left, he may bark. Take that opportunity to walk back into the house and tell him to be quiet. Do this several times until he realizes that when you leave, you do come back.
- You may also wish to give him a favorite enrichment toy before you leave. Crating your dog with a favorite toy or blanket may also comfort him while you are gone.
- Keep your dog leashed before any event that inspires barking. If he barks at the doorbell, for instance, pull on his leash and tell him to be quiet until he learns to stay quiet.
Quieting your dog’s barking is like any other training methodology – you’ll need patience and a good attitude. But your dog really does wish to please you, so be consistent and prove your reliability, and he should learn appropriate behaviors soon enough.
Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training is a professional dog training and obedience school based in Bradenton, Florida.
