Why Dogs Bark

Expecting a dog never to bark is a dream and not a reality. But sometimes barking to warn owners of some potential threat is a requirement of every owner, but barking continuously without reason can be irritating. However, it is natural as it is the only way they vocalize to interact with humans and other dogs. There are few breeds and few pets who bark excessively. If this is a problem, the first thing one should know is to find out the causes of barking. As soon as the person knows the reason it can quickly start to treat the problem.

It is a type of vocal communication they use and might bark for a variety of reasons. Few barks more as they were bred to bark while there is a breed who does not bark at all and communicate in other ways. Their barking means a variety of things depending on the situation.

Reasons why dogs bark

Fear/Alert

Anything that shocks or alarms them like any object or noise that catches their attention results in loud barks. This type of bark can happen not only inside territory but outside also. It is reasonable to bark when someone passes its car or house sensing it as a threat.  This barking sound will be sharp, authoritative and loud. Sharpening this instinct through proper training can protect ones home.

Protective /Territorial

Protectiveness triggers excessive barking, when someone (stranger) or any animal enters its territory it takes as a potential threat and starts barking. As they come near, barking gets louder, and they look aggressive and alert while barking. By yelling they want to inform their owner about the unknown people, whom they seek a potential danger.

Loneliness/Boredom

In ancient times they were used to stay in packs and cannot remain alone for a more extended period and require company. If they get bored and feel lonely or sad, they start barking which symbolizes that they are unhappy. The sound of this type of bark is unfortunate as compared to other barks and it sounds as if it is yelling to hear its voice to surpass loneliness. They often bark to release their pent-up energy and requires activity and a companion to beat their boredom.

Play/Greeting/Excitement

As said earlier, barking is a way of communication, and they bark while greeting someone. It’s a happy bark followed by jumping and tail swags, it is common in puppies and young pets. Few also bark while playing with other pets and people. The sound of this bark tends to be musical and happy. Few also bark when they are excited to go out for a walk, ride or if they meet pet friend.

Attention Seeking

They bark when they need something like when they are hungry, require a treat, playing, toys, walks or even attention. They also bark to inform their owners if they want something like if they are feeling hot, cold, thirsty, etc. through its barks, it asks its master to provide things which it requires.

for instance, if the room is full of guests and no one is paying attention, it will bark as it wants to get introduced to enjoy and feel surrounded.

Separation Anxiety/Compulsive Barking

When dogs are left separately for a longer duration, they start barking due to separation anxiety. It also displays other symptoms of destructiveness, depression, pacing and many more. Anxious barkers often seem to bark to soothe themselves, the sound is high pitched followed by whining. On the other hand, compulsive barkers bark to hear their sound and feel accompanied. They also make continuous movements like walking or running in circles etc.

Responding

This is a prevalent condition, when a dog barks in the street, pet inside the house starts barking to respond.

Medical Problem

Pain due to illness can result in excessive barking. Starting from brain disease, bee sting or some other ongoing pain can trigger barking. However, older pets tend to develop canine problems that cause excessive utterances. Therefore, it is advisable to do a thorough check-up by the veterinarian to know if it has some medical problem or not.

Treating Excessive Barking

Making the quiet is a slow and more extended process which takes time, consistency and patience and practice. It is not an overnight job, and with the proper approach, there is a gradual progress. There are some tips to reduce barking

Exercise

Every dog needs adequate exercise like long walks morning and evening with sufficient amount of playtime in a yard. make a visit to dogs park once or twice a week, it will allow them to move freely and communicate with other pets. Proper exercise will make it weary and at the same time quiet. If it barks when it is alone in the house, make it tired by playing different types of games before leaving it alone. Make sure it gets enough exercise, so it does not burn it by barking.

Training

Proper training can curb this behavior problem. Make it learn different types of commands like, “sit,” “stand,” quiet,” yes,” No” and many more. It will make communication easy between the pets and owner. Training is the best possible way to check their behavior.

Positive Reinforcement

Using negative behaviors like shouting, screaming, physical hitting will not help. It will make them aggressive and result in more barking. Avoid shock collar punishments, they are unkind and painful.

Surrounded

As discussed above, they bark due to anxiety or loneliness. Hence, keep them busy by playing, exercising or interact in different ways. It will make them feel happy, surrounded and essential.

Experts Help

One needs to seek medical help if it continues to bark in spite of best efforts. The vet will provide some behavior classes or some medicines that will keep it calm and quiet.

Barking Collars

Some products in the market guarantee to reduce barking immediately. If collars are tied on the collar will deliver ultrasonic or audible corrections, but they are not effectual on all pets. However, citronella spraying collars work sometimes, but few even learn to run them out of spray and start barking at their own will.

Tips to remember

• Do not shout, as it makes them think the owner is joining in and starts barking more. Hence, don’t yell but communicate calmly and firmly.
• Untrained pets do not understand what its owner wants. Therefore, it is crucial to give them command training.
• Don’t allow the situation to get dragged for a longer The longer it practices something, the more innate it becomes. Barking gives an adrenaline rush that makes barking enjoyable.
• When it barks out of anxiety or attention, never feed, hug or comfort them. They will think it a rewarding activity and will continue barking.