{"id":835,"date":"2016-08-29T06:00:27","date_gmt":"2016-08-29T06:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/?p=835"},"modified":"2016-08-30T01:27:37","modified_gmt":"2016-08-30T01:27:37","slug":"the-barking-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/the-barking-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"The Barking Dog"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1>Excessive \u00a0Barking in Dogs<\/h1>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/happy-pets-blog-the-barking-dog-1.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-841 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/happy-pets-blog-the-barking-dog-1.jpg?resize=300%2C204&#038;ssl=1\" width=\"300\" height=\"204\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/happy-pets-blog-the-barking-dog-1.jpg?resize=300%2C204&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/happy-pets-blog-the-barking-dog-1.jpg?w=680&amp;ssl=1 680w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Barking is a natural and important means of communication for dogs. But excessive barking can become a problem. \u00a0As with all dog training and behavior modification, teaching a puppy or young dog is always easier than changing behavior that has become a bad habit in an older dog. \u00a0By starting to train your puppy in obedience and relaxation at an early age, you can greatly reduce the chances that he will grow into a problem barker.<\/p>\n<p>The first step towards controlling excessive barking is to understand the specific reasons behind it.<\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Why They Do It<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Territorial or defensive barking<br \/>\nExcitement, or happiness at seeing you<br \/>\nPlay and exercise\u00a0 (Pent up energy)<br \/>\nTo get your attention or to signal you (i.e. \u201cI have to go potty!\u201d)<br \/>\nAggravation over not being able to attain something (such as your piece of pizza).<br \/>\nSocial barking in response to other dogs<br \/>\nSeparation anxiety and trepidation<br \/>\nTo get attention<br \/>\nCompulsive behavior<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">***<\/span> <\/strong>Please note that there there are instances of excessive barking for which it is a good idea to seek the advice of a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, a Veterinary Behaviorist, or a Certified Professional Dog Trainer first.<\/p>\n<p>These include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Over-protective behavior in addition to the barking, such as growling, snapping, lunging, etc.<\/li>\n<li>Extreme separation anxiety or fear of objects, sights, sounds, people etc.<\/li>\n<li>Obsessive\/Compulsive barking which is identified as excessive barking for no apparent reason or at things that wouldn\u2019t bother other dogs. This may be accompanied by other compulsive behaviors such as spinning or jumping.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff; text-decoration: underline;\">Don&#8217;t Do These Things<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t encourage your dog to bark at strangers or people walking by the door. Asking your dog \u201cwho\u2019s that?\u201d in a <a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/happy-pets-blog-the-barking-dog-2.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignright wp-image-842\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/happy-pets-blog-the-barking-dog-2.jpg?resize=207%2C145&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"happy pets blog the barking dog 2\" width=\"207\" height=\"145\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/happy-pets-blog-the-barking-dog-2.jpg?resize=300%2C210&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/happy-pets-blog-the-barking-dog-2.jpg?w=420&amp;ssl=1 420w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 207px) 100vw, 207px\" \/><\/a>querying tone will excite their curiosity. Looking out the window or door will encourage him to do the same, and once there, he will bark.\u00a0 Remember that dogs mirror our energy.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t yell at your dog to stop or to be quiet \u2013 to him, he thinks you\u2019re barking, too!<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t punish your dog if the barking is due to fright or separation anxiety. These are real causes of his barking and should be addressed as the issues they are.\u00a0 You may have the opposite effect if you do this and his anxiety will increase, and so will his barking.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t be inconsistent in your rules, so as not to confuse him.\u00a0 Everyone in your family must apply the training methods and rules every time your dog barks inappropriately. For example, if you yell at him for barking at some sights or sounds, like kids leaving for school and then encourage him to bark at others.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t use a muzzle, either store bought or home made as a substitute for training or while you are absent.\u00a0 Dogs regulate their temperatures through the mouth by panting and muzzles prevent the dog from doing this.<\/p>\n<p>Please don\u2019t use a corrective collar.\u00a0 Used alone, they will not correct the problem and if a dogs barks because he\u2019s anxious, the collars correction process may make his anxiety worse.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff; text-decoration: underline;\">What You Can Do<\/span><\/strong><\/span><br \/>\nAs pet owners we tend to make a big deal out of coming and going from home (I\u2019ve done it myself many, many times), and this puts your dog in the wrong state of mind.<\/p>\n<p>If you greet your dog in an excited manner, then he will come to expect your return to be a time of excitement, as dogs are creatures of habit. While he\u2019s waiting for you to come back he will anticipate that excitement and become frustrated and bored.\u00a0 Also, if you make a big deal before you leave, you\u2019ve left your dog in an excited state as well, and this sets up a perfect formula for creating an excessive barking problem.<\/p>\n<p>Be very calm, quiet, and matter-of-fact when leaving or returning home so that your dog will also remain calm.\u00a0 I learned that leaving a few treats in a room away from the door, like the kitchen, would distract my dogs while I was leaving. This would prevent the excitement or anxiety of my departure. When returning, I would walk into the house and put my purse and keys away quietly and after a few minutes talk softly to my dog and give them some snuggly love while they were still calm.\u00a0 This shows them that calm and quiet is rewarded with love and attention.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Stay calm when trying to stop dog barking!<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\nDogs don\u2019t follow unbalanced pack leaders, so you must remember this at all times if you want to remedy the problem. If you are frustrated, he will be, too! And, barking is a great release for your dog\u2019s frustrated energy.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Ignore the barking<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\nIgnore your dog\u2019s barking for as long as it takes him to stop, which means don\u2019t give him any attention while he\u2019s barking.\u00a0 I saw a lady with a small, excited dog that wouldn\u2019t stop barking. She picked up the dog to try to stop it.\u00a0 That is the wrong approach because the attention and affection from being picked up tells the dog, \u201cI like what you\u2019re doing right now and so I\u2019ll pick you up.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>When your dog barks, don\u2019t talk to him, touch him, or look at him.\u00a0 When he finally quiets, reward him with a treat.\u00a0 It may take a while for your dog to stop barking, but you must wait until he is quiet to reward him. It would work in the same way if your dog barks while in his crate. When he barks turn around and ignore him, and once he stops barking, praise him and give him a treat.\u00a0 After a while he will understand that being quiet = a treat and praise.<\/p>\n<p>Cesar Milan has a process where you tell your dog to stop barking (calmly) using a look, a sound, or a physical correction. He sometimes makes a sound (pssshhhh! or ssssshhh!) while quickly touching the dog in the middle of his side or on the hip.\u00a0 This distracts the dog from his focusing on the barking motivation. Your dog may pause when you do this and then go right back to what he was doing, so you would do the same thing again using a sound or touch until he completely submits to your correction.\u00a0 Remember, you are the alpha in the pack!<\/p>\n<h6><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Teach Your Dog The Quiet Command<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n<div class=\"embed-container\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"830\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/E_UeACArFSs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<h6>\u00a0<strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Challenge Your Dog Mentally and Physically<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n<p>Make sure that your dog is getting sufficient physical and mental exercise every day, as barking is sometimes a result of pent-up energy.\u00a0 Please see my article <a href=\"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/exercising-your-dog\/\" target=\"_blank\">Exercising Your Dog<\/a>, posted April 11, 2016.\u00a0 \u00a0Depending on his age, health, and breed, your dog may need several good walks as well as games of chasing the ball and playing with some interactive toys.\u00a0 I had a sweet, adorable Retriever mix many years ago named Dottie, who loved to play hide and seek games outside with my daughter.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_843\" style=\"width: 201px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Kami-4-yrs-old-and-Dottie.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-843\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-843\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Kami-4-yrs-old-and-Dottie.jpg?resize=201%2C158&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Kami -4 yrs old and Dottie\" width=\"201\" height=\"158\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Kami-4-yrs-old-and-Dottie.jpg?resize=300%2C236&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Kami-4-yrs-old-and-Dottie.jpg?w=672&amp;ssl=1 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 201px) 100vw, 201px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-843\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">My daughter at 4 yrs old with Dottie, who loved to play hide-and-seek with her.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Dogs need physical and mental stimulation in order to stay healthy and happy. A tired dog is a good dog, and a good dog is less likely to bark from boredom or frustration. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.animatedimages.org\/data\/media\/202\/animated-dog-image-0086.gif?w=830\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Excessive \u00a0Barking in Dogs Barking is a natural and important means of communication for dogs. But excessive barking can become a problem. \u00a0As with all dog training and behavior modification, teaching a puppy or young dog is always easier than changing behavior that has become a bad habit in an older dog. \u00a0By starting to &hellip; <\/p>\n<p><a class=\"more-link btn\" href=\"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/the-barking-dog\/\">Continue reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[51,220,219,118,221,222],"class_list":["post-835","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-pet-care","tag-barking","tag-dogs-barking","tag-excessive-barking-in-dogs","tag-pet-care","tag-stop-dog-from-barking","tag-teach-quiet-command","item-wrap"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/835","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=835"}],"version-history":[{"count":27,"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/835\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":877,"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/835\/revisions\/877"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=835"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=835"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=835"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}