It is normal for dogs to bark. Barks can convey a number of different emotions, and bark can mean different things depending on the situation. Dogs aren't expected to be quiet. Just as it would be unreasonable to expect children to never talk, some dogs bark excessively. Barking excessively can be considered a behaviour problem if it is excessive. By knowing the reason for their barking, you can treat the problem.
Why Do Dogs Bark So Much?
Barking excessively can be caused by several factors. It's important to rule out health concerns first, even though excessive barking is often a behavioural concern. When you have a dog who barks excessively, it's important to try and understand what the cause of the excessive barking is.
Vocalization
A dog's vocalization is one way in which they are able to communicate how they feel and what they want to you. When dogs bark, it may be to get attention because they are alerting to something going on around them, because they are bored, anxious, frustrated, or because they are feeling defensive of their homes or families. A dog's barking is a way of communicating with us when he or she needs something: to go outside, to play, because they are hungry, or because they are concerned about something.
Health Problems
Barking can be an indication that a dog is in pain or suffering from another health issue. It may bark if you touch a tender spot on your dog. You should take your dog to your veterinarian for an evaluation, as some dogs can hide symptoms of pain, even when you touch them, and sometimes it's difficult to detect pain in areas like their ears or mouth.
Territorial/Protective
Dogs often bark excessively when another animal or person enters an area they consider to be their territory. The barking often becomes louder as the threat approaches. In this type of barking, your dog will appear alert, even aggressive, at times.
Fear
Barking may be a good way for your dog to express their fear if they are afraid. It can happen at home as well as away from home, and it refers to anything that frightens your dog. A person, a loud noise like fireworks, or a strange (or new) situation may trigger a fear response.
Separation Anxiety/Compulsive Barking
When left alone, dogs with separation anxiety often bark excessively when left alone. Usually, they also exhibit other symptoms as well, such as pacing, destructive behaviour, depression, and inappropriate elimination. It seems that compulsive barkers bark just to hear the sound of their own voices. Frequently, they will run in circles or along a fence or make similar repetitive movements.
Why does your dog bark at you?
It is not unusual for dogs to bark at you for many different reasons, so the fact that he is barking at you is not a cause for alarm. If he barks only at you and not others, maybe he is trying to communicate with you. The following are some things he may be telling you:
- If your dog barks at you after dinner and it's past his dinner time, chances are he's hungry.
- Exercise is necessary for dogs, and they also enjoy routines. If you walk him morning and night normally, you can expect to hear about it when it doesn't happen.
- Dogs bark when they don't get what they want. There is a good chance that a favourite toy is hiding underneath a couch or other piece of furniture if the dog is barking and scratching around.
- Although barking is a cry for attention, it should be ignored. When you respond to barking with pets and cuddles, you are encouraging the behaviour. Instead, ignore your barking dog and reward him when he calms down.
- When greeting barking, dogs are excited, relaxed, and wagging their tails as well as whining when they see you.
How to Stop Nuisance Dog Barking?
In order to prevent barking in the first place, it is important to try and eliminate any sources of barking that might be causing it. Also, you should avoid inadvertently encouraging the barking by giving your dog something better to do than bark. It's good to know that there are dog trainers and dog behaviourists that you can turn to for help when your dog barks excessively.
● Give Dog Toys and Dog Sniff Bands
Dogs will enjoy playing with interactive toys, such as dog sniff bands. Toys, such as puzzle toys, can be used to hide treats inside, and the dog will work hard to get the treats out.
● Take your dog outside.
Before you leave in the morning, make sure your dog has gotten an adequate amount of physical and mental exercise. When you're not at home, a tired dog is more likely to take a nap. Have a dog walker come to walk your dog in the middle of the day if possible.
Whether you take your dog for a short trip or just to the cafe, they will have a nice mat to sit or lay on, protecting them from the cold ground. A portable dog mat is a great option. You can also use an indoor dog treadmill when it's cold.
● Give your dog his favourite meal.
When your dog is hungry and barking but not willing to eat because of anxiety, you can offer him his favourite meal on his favourite plate or dish. You can use a cosmos feeder set for dogs. Cosmos feeder set meets all the puppy's needs, is fun to look at, and has a nice function to make the puppies happy as they grow.
● Behaviour Modification
The best way to help stop excessive barking caused by fear, territorialism, loneliness, or the need for attention, is to pinpoint the exact trigger. Make the most of the time you have with your dog by removing the trigger from his life and working on behaviour modification techniques. Dogs who bark excessively can usually be controlled by teaching them the "quiet" command. When you tell your dog to be quiet, you should use a calm, firm voice, and you should use treats and affection to positively reinforce the dog's correct behaviour.
● Visit the vet.
In the event that your dog is barking excessively for the first time, consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. It is very likely that your veterinarian will rule out any medical conditions or injuries that may be the cause of the barking and develop an action plan based on your dog's needs.
Don't punish your dog for excessive barking.
It can be stressful to have a dog that barks excessively. If your neighbours complain about your dog, the frustration can be heightened. If you are stressed out, it may be tempting to speak more loudly yourself. Barking is not solved by getting into a "yelling match" with your dog. If your dog barks at certain sounds, do not punish him or her while encouraging him or her to bark at other sounds, such as people knocking on your door. When training your dog, you have to be consistent.
Do not punish your dog for barking, as this could make things worse. Don't use shock collars or hit your dog. Not only is this painful and unkind, but some dogs learn to test these things and eventually figure out how to work around them.
