Barking Dogs
A dog barking is probably the most annoying dog behaviour especially in housing area. It is a natural means of canine communication. However, when a barking dog begins to bark excessively , this become a serious problem.
There are many potential causes of frequent barking and it is important to establish the cause in each case. The tone and pattern of the barking may provide some clues as to the reason for it. The dog that begins barking as soon as its owner leaves the house, usually in monotone, throughout the owner’s absence may be suffering from separation anxiety.
Some dogs bark sporadically throughout the day. This is usually in response to some trigger stimulus such as the movements of neighbours, arrival of the mailman, or presence of neighbouring dogs. Some dogs bark and yap excitedly for quite some time when owners arrive home. This barking is only a problem if the neighbours are complaining. These barking dogs are not usually distressed.
What you do to stop barking dogs :
If your dog is barking during your absence and your neighbours are complaining, ask them to note down the times at which your dog barks and how long it barks. If your dog barking stops when you return, it may be suffering from separation anxiety. This is a serious problem and you will need help from animal behaviourist.
If a dog barking at passer-by, try leaving the dog inside with toys and a comfortable bed so that it is not so easily stimulated by these events. If you know that you will have to leave the dog alone for a while, make sure it has had a long run or a vigorous play session before you leave. It is most likely to relax and sleep while you are out if it is tired.
A dog barking while their owners are at home can be trained to be quiet on command. You may read the article on basic dogs training to train your dog on quiet command.
Stop dog barking :
Train your puppy to respond to quiet command
Expose your puppy or new dog to as many unusual sights and sounds as possible, as frequently as possible and reward it for a calm bahaviour this time.
When your dog or puppy becomes over excited, redirect this behaviour by asking it to sit or lie down for a reward. Try to get it to concentrate on you and a food treat and ignore the stimulus that caused the barking.