How To Control Spaniel Barking - Is It A Problem In Your Home?

Do you have a problem with springer spaniel barking in your home? Springer spaniels are not noted for having barking problems, though they can be excitable at times. You do want them to bark when there's a stranger outside your home, or with pleasure when the kids come home from school, and of course, when nature calls! But annoying you? No, you really don't want that.

The good news is that there are several solutions to the problem, depending on what the reason for the barking is. Knowing why might help you find the best solution. Do remember, though, that dogs bark as we talk. I bet that even you talk to yourself on occasion when by yourself! I do, anyway.

Reasons

Besides communication, other reasons are::

- hunger

- loneliness

- fear

- boredom

- defence

- offence

- warning

The key thing is that you want them to bark under certain conditions only, and you want them to stop when you tell them.

Let's assume that

1. Your dog is checked regularly when you groom him (or her).

2. That your dog gets checked annually by the vet.

3. That the normal living space is at the right temperature.

4. That he gets enough exercise to keep him relatively healthy and tired and enough 'relief' opportunities (or has a litter tray in the house when you are out).

5. That in fact you do not have lots of strangers calling at the door, and that there are not a lot of foxes or badgers visiting your yard at night (get the idea)?

Does the dog only bark when he's alone and you are in work, and the neighbours complain about it (I had that problem myself once)? If he's not messing in the house then it could be loneliness.

Dogs do suffer from poor hearing, even deafness on occasion, and it's important to make sure that your springer's ears are clean. After all, he might not be able to hear you telling him to stop barking.

Recent?

If the barking has developed recently, then that is a sign that something has changed - it could be his health or age, it could be that your daughter (he's been her favourite) now has her first boyfriend visit..well, how long is a piece of string?

Have you changed his food? Moved home? Bought him a new dog basket?

In short, does he have anything to complain about - because they are smart dogs and they will complain if they are not happy. One of my springers didn't bark when he was unhappy or I scolded him - he grunted just like an old man.

What's the Answer?

OK, so you've worked through all the obvious things. Maybe your springer spaniel is now 8 months old and the barking problem still persists. Training is going well, the dog is now obeying the basic commands and walking to heel, you have maybe started the 'fetch' training, yet the excessive barking persists.

Maybe you've got a rescue dog and not a pup. He might have had a tough life so far, you don't always know. Did you ask the staff at the rescue centre if he barked excessively? It's not always a good guide, as there's often a lot of barking at these centres anyway - the staff have little choice over which dogs arrive at their gates.

There are always solutions to the barking problem (depending on the reason), but first of all, don't reinforce the behaviour. If the dog barks, then don't give her a cuddle or pat her telling her to be quiet.

Some owners favour electric collars - that's an old Pavlovian approach and not in keeping with modern thinking. The key to curing is understanding, and if you've looked at the problem from all angles without success, then you might benefit from professional advice.

Phil has kept Springer Spaniels for many years. Find
out more about springer spaniel barking and lots more about springer spaniel training in general at ==>
www.springerspanieladvice.com/training