Dog Barking: Dog Behavior, Types, Sounds And Dog Training

Everyone knows that dogs bark. It's their way of communication, and any aspiring dog owner should expect the home to be less quiet with the acquisition of a new pooch. Dog barking isn't bad in itself, and can even prove valuable as in cases where dogs have warned their owners of danger. However, dog barking can get out of hand. Many dogs are prone to barking excessively, not allowing a single moment of peace and quiet for the owners. Even worse is when excessive or especially loud dog barking attracts complaints from neighbors. In such cases, many owners may feel as if there isn't anything they can do about it; they are wrong. Excessive dog barking is a behavioral problem that can be remedied with the right approach and understanding of dog behavior.

The first step to eliminating the problem is to understand the reasons behind a dog's barking. Just as humans express their emotions through speech, dogs communicate their own emotions and reactions through barking. In fact, types of barking vary depending on a dog's emotional state and the message it is trying to communicate. Dogs always bark for a reason. They can't express themselves in words, so their human owners often have a hard time understanding what they mean. Yet understanding this aspect of dog behavior is crucial to solving the problem of excessive dog barking.

The types of dog barking that are usually most problematic are when dogs habitually bark out of stress or to raise an alarm. Dogs experience emotions such as fear and loneliness, and barking is sometimes their way of signaling that they aren't getting the attention they need. In such a case, the solution is simple: play with the dog regularly and do not leave it by itself for long periods of time. Dogs may also bark to warn their owners of outside dangers, such as the sounds of passing cars or mail carriers. This kind of dog barking can be tricky to solve, but many owners have subdued their dogs by getting them used to different kinds of situations. With enough exposure to a given situation, a dog will eventually learn that it isn't dangerous. Sometimes excessive dog barking results from mere boredom or wanting attention. The best course of action in such a case is to simply ignore the dog, and praise it when the barking stops.

Being consistent and gentle with the dog will go a long way in solving the problem of excessive dog barking, but there are cases when training just isn't enough. That's when other types of intervention become necessary. Owners can buy devices such as citronella collars, which react to dog barking sounds by spraying the animal. Bark collars and similar devices may provide just the help an owner needs. However, when nothing seems to work, professional training may be the best solution yet. Handling dog barking can be a challenge for any owner, but it can be overcome with a little consistent effort and determination.


Sources:
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"Barking Dogs." The Sheltie Page. Gordon Thomas. 1995-2007. 28 Jan. 2008. http://www.dogpatch.org/sheltie/barking.html

"Barking." PetPlace.com. Intelligent Content Corp. 1999-2008. 28 Jan. 2008. http://www.petplace.com/dogs/barking/page1.aspx

"Bark (dog)." Wikipedia. 27 Jan. 2008. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 2005. 28 Jan. 2008. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bark_(dog)

Dodman, Nicholas. "Barking." Coral Springs Pet Resort & Medical Center. VetStreet. 2008. 28 Jan. 2008. http://www.coralsprings.vetsuite.com/Templates/Con tentPages/Articles/ViewArticleContent.aspx?Id=416< />