There are many wonderful aspects of owning a dog. They provide us with unconditional love and companionship as they quickly become part of our family. That’s why when they develop a bad habit it can be very stressful and difficult to know what to do. One such habit that many dog owners encounter is that of excessive barking. If you’ve ever dealt with this or are currently dealing with this behavior, you know how stressful and annoying it can be; not just for you but your neighbors as well. We’d like to offer some helpful tips on how to stop your dog’s barking but also understand what might be motivating it!
REASONS WHY YOUR DOG BARKS
The first step in stopping the barking habit is to understand why your dog may be barking. If you can understand the “why” behind their bark, then you’re better equipped to implement the right strategy to stop it. Here are some reasons why dogs bark:
- Boredom
- Stress/Anxiety
- Lonely
- A signal they want to play
- A signal they’re going on the offensive
How do we determine the type of bark we may be hearing? Well, think about the barking you hear from your dog; most likely you hear a rather high-pitched bark when he’s seeking attention or wants to play. When he hears something outside, his bark has a more “telling tone;” because he’s truly trying to tell you that he hears something. If your dog is feeling stressed or threatened by sights or sounds, his bark will signal that as well. As dog owners, it doesn’t take long to learn your dog’s bark (it’s similar to learning your new baby’s cry) It’s important to keep in mind that a bark is their way of communicating and once you know what they’re trying to say, it makes it a little easier to figure out the solution.
SOLUTIONS FOR BARKING
Let’s look at some possible solutions for stopping your dog’s barking.
- DO NOT SCOLD your dog. Scolding your dog will not do anything to curtail his barking but it may add to his stress.
- Provide food puzzle toys to provide some mental stimulation is you’re not at home. What dog doesn’t love to hunt for food? Offering toys with hidden treats will keep him busy for quite a while.
- Provide some training for your dog. Here at Cascade Kennels, we offer dog training that is tailored to your dog’s specific needs. If there is a behavioral issue, such as excessive barking, we have the tools and know-how to deal with that and train your dog away from that and other negative behaviors.
- Block your dog’s view from the window if he barks at everything he sees. You can also turn on a fan or radio to drown out sounds from outside that may be luring him to the window.
- Consider enrolling your dog in Doggie Daycare. Here at Cascade Kennels, we offer Full and Half day options for doggie daycare. You can even choose daycare just once or twice a week. This can be a very effective way to engage your dog and provide a lot of physical activity.
- Provide regular physical activity. Don’t underestimate how important regular physical activity is for your dog. Daily walks are not only vital to your dog’s health, but they also provide mental stimulation as well as important time with you. All of these go a long way to curtail the habit of barking. A tired dog will tend to be a quiet dog.
Remember, there is always a reason for your dog’s barking and there is always a solution as well. If you would like to learn more about our Doggie Daycare or training options, give us a call; we’d love to help you.
