Why Do Dogs Bark?

Dogs bark for all of the below reasons and if you have a nuisance barker on your hands, you should first determine why. Dogs that bark incessantly in the yard could be bored. Owners should try to relieve the dog's boredom by taking it for regular walks, providing chew toys and bones or changing the position of the dog's kennel.

• It is bored.
• It is guarding its territory.
• It misses you.
• You inadvertently reinforce the barking.
• It hears strange noises.
• It is afraid.
• It get easily excited or is highly strung.
• It is in the habit of barking.
• It just loves to bark.

Some people suggest that because dogs are essentially sociable animals they should be given companionship, but sometimes, another dog will only add to the barking problem. Dogs in confined spaces may bark more than if they were in wide, open spaces.

If your dog barks as a result of separation anxiety (if it suffers when separated from the owner) then you may consider some of the following possible solutions below:

• Leaving the radio or television on when you're away to distract the dog.
• Provide it with mirrors so it can watch itself play.
• Ensure it has access to a busy view of the outside world via a window or patio.
• Supply it with interesting chews/toys.

Tackling the Problem

If your dog loves to bark then consider correcting it when it barks inappropriately:

• Spraying your dog with water from a spray bottle or squirt gun, shaking a can of pennies or immediately reprimanding your dog with a sharp vocal command 'NO'. You can also reward the dog every time it obeys your 'NO' command.
• Train dogs when puppies - if they are never allowed to bark freely, they'll never know it's an option.
• Teach your dog to bark and be quiet on command. This may seem counterproductive, but, because the dog is aware of its bark it is less inclined to use it excessively.
• If a dog constantly barks to gain your attention - ignore him. Eventually he will tire and be quiet. At this point reward the dog for his quietness. The dog will catch on that barking is 'bad'.

Are Some Breeds Worse Than Others?

Some dog breeds, due to the role for which they were developed, have bigger barks than others. Terriers, including Yorkshire, Cairn or Fox Terriers, herding dogs and scent and sight hounds have a strong bark.

Getting Help

Many dogs drive their owners and neighbours to despair, so much so, that the owners feel they have no choice but to hand their beloved pets in to a local pound, animal shelter or USPCA facility. Quiet perseverance does pay off. If your dog does not respond to your attempts to mkae it quiet, then contact your local vet who will put you in contact with an animal behaviourist.