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Learn How To Stop Your Puppy From Excessive Barking Today!
April 29th, 2009
All dogs bark at times. It is their chief manner of communication but when a dog barks excessively it is frustrating for everyone. Some breeds bark more than others but all dogs bark at times.
There are quite a few reasons why a dog will bark excessively. If your dog is bored because he is in the house or the same yard everyday he may start barking to entertain himself. Dogs enjoy social stimulation and interacting with others. Try to incorporate more playtimes or go for more walks. This may stop your dog if he is barking excessively because of boredom.
Being overly nervous or scared will also prompt a dog to start barking excessively. Properly socialized dogs tend to be calmer and more relaxed around different people and in different situations but a dog that is not used to new things may start barking out of anxiety. Start socializing your dog by taking him to new and different places and into new situations. Give him praise and rewards when he is quiet and well behaved and soon he will will be less nervous as he will associate the pleasing treat with the situation rather than nervousness.
Dogs often bark to get your attention and this is one way to communicate. However, if you respond to barking every time you are just teaching your dog to bark more. Attempt to get him to communicate in different ways and reinforce that behavior with praise and treats. He can rub on your leg if he wants to go out just as easily as he can bark at you!
Sometimes your dog will bark excessively because you have left home and you are not with him. This barking from separation anxiety is disturbing to the neighbors and others so it is wise to try to stop it. Start when he is a puppy and put him in a crate when you leave so he can learn to be content in his own space. Also never make a big issue out of leaving home but rather just sneak away quietly. He may never know that you are gone and if he does he will not be so vocal about it.
Dogs bark when they want to protect the people that they love. This is usually considered to be a good thing unless your dog is barking excessively to protect you from the mailman (or mail person!) every single day! In that case try to distract your dog with a treat or a game. You can also introduce your dog to the mailman. If he becomes friendly with the people who come by most often then he is less likely to bark excessively. If your dog barks for protection though, you should be grateful as someday you may find yourself in a situation where you need that.
You can teach your dog not to bark excessively. A professional dog trainer can offer you some tips but usually more socialization and more playtimes help a lot to stop excessive barking. Your dog is barking for a reason though, so it is wise to find out the reason why and adjust your training to that.
Dogs who only bark at proper times are much less frustrating than dogs that bark excessively. Start training your dog away from excessive barking when he is still a pup and when he is all grown up you will know when he barks that there is a good reason.
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