Barking Behavior by Paul Johnston
Barking is normal behavior for dogs but habitual barking
is the bane of dog owners everywhere. Barking dogs are
the most common sources of environmental pollution in
urban society and no other dog-related problem causes
local authorities so much time and frustration. So, what
can we do?
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Perhaps one of the reasons that
early man first encouraged wild dogs to remain
around the camp was their ability to alert people
to danger and this is still one of the reasons
for many families adding a dog to the household
today. However, dogs that constantly bark are a
nuisance to those who must live around them. And
they are not good watchdogs. A dog that barks at
every little disturbance in the neighborhood will
not bring the neighbors running when thieves are
carrying the family silver out the door!
Habitual barking can start from a number of causes
such as lack of training, boredom and anxiousness.
Bored dogs are often diggers and chewers as well
as barkers and this should tell the owner that
the dog is simply looking for a way to fill in
its day. Active dogs are likely to be the ones
that continually run up and down the fence barking
at the dog next door or passers-by in the street. |
Although a dog may be required to fulfil the role of
a 'watch' dog it needs to be taught that unnecessary
barking is not allowed. When the new puppy is brought
home it must be educated that barking at the neighbors
cat, the birds in the trees, children playing, or passers-by
in the street is inappropriate.
Very young puppies do not have any sense of territory
so barking at intruders is unlikely behavior in dogs
under nine months old. Once a puppy does start to give
the alarm that someone is at the door or coming down
the front path, it must be taught to cease barking when
you respond to the disturbance.
When puppies bark they should be disciplined verbally.
A good method is to say 'Aaaah - quiet'. When the puppy
quietens it should be praised. The 'aaah' should be given
as a harsh, guttural sound which will distract the puppy
from barking and gain it's attention. The command 'quiet'
should be given in a firm, clear and definite tone. It
will quickly learn to stop barking on the command 'quiet'.
About the Author
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