Understanding Why Your Dog Barks And Tips On Stopping It.

Nothing is more annoying than the neighbour with the continually barking dog! It never stops, you can't escape from it when you're in your home and if it's your dog you feel out of control and embarrassed. Of course it's completely natural for your dog to bark, it's how he communicates with you and fellow animals and how he warns you in a potentially dangerous situation. Understanding why he barks when you don't think there's a reason is your first step. You need to establish what type of barking your dog is doing. There are so many different types. Is it just playful, is he responding to another dog or does he need your attention because he's stressed about something? Boredom is a very big reason why a dog may bark, if they're not getting enough exercise, attention or if they're being left alone for long periods of time they will most definitely bark. Also know that your dog may also be trying to talk to you. He may be frustrated or upset about something. When you leave he may be annoyed because he doesn't have everything he needs - water, food, access to toys etc.

So, Where to Start?

Very gently and done with care and sensitivity, hold their nose and mouth (muzzle) together for a short time, whilst in a calm manner saying "quiet or shh." Obviously when they're out playing, let them bark and communicate with other dogs, they're only chatting and saying hello.

Dogs like us, get lonely. If you're out at work all day and your dog is left in an empty house of course he's going to bark out of stress and loneliness. So try and come home for lunch, get a friend to drop in or treat your dog to walks with other dogs. There are so many dog walking companies around these days and you don't have to do it every day as obviously cost is a factor. Also allowing your dog to interact with other dogs in a group situation will let him expel some of that chattiness and energy.

Don't shout or hit your dog, it'll get you nowhere. Would you respond well to someone smacking you every time you spoke? I don't think so. Also most dogs will become even more aggressive as they will see this as you attacking them, so you'll just make the situation worse.

Try to distract your dog. When they start barking, grab his favourite toy and play with him. Whistle or clap your hands to detract from the reason why they started in the first place.

Exercise!!!!! This is so important. Getting rid of excess energy not just on a daily walk, but proper running in the park will release so much pent up frustration for your dog, that when they're home they'll be happily exhausted.

Give your dog lots of attention. No one likes to be ignored. A bit of love and emotion doesn't go amiss and why would you bother having an animal if you didn't want affection from your pet?

Leaving your dog outside all day is a fast way to encourage barking and is extremely lonely for him. It's also a very quick way to annoy your neighbours.

Lastly, these things all take time, so be patient. Just as you have to learn what your dog is saying, he has to learn to understand you too.

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