Why Does My Dog Bark All The Time?
Question:
Why does my dog bark all the time and how can I keep him quiet when I am away?
Answer:
Barking certainly can be annoying but it is important to understand “why”
dogs bark.
Most dogs that are considered problem barkers are not really behaving
abnormally - they are responding to environmental stimuli (such as hearing a
siren, seeing a squirrel run up a tree, etc.) and exhibiting alerting behavior
(people or dogs approaching their “perceived” territory, etc.).
Some dogs bark because they are distressed at being left alone and others
bark as part of an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but the majority of
barkers are just being "dogs". Barking is one their major modes of
communication.
The key to controlling the barking is in identifying and treating the
underlying stimulus. For instance, if the dogs are being teased by
neighborhood children, the dogs should be removed from that environment. (And
a few phone calls to some parents will help, too.)
The next step is to teach the dog a more appropriate behavior with which to
replace the barking. According to Dr. Karen Overall, Board Certified Animal
Behavior Specialist, most dogs that bark continue to do so because they become
more stimulated and, generally, more anxious.
Dogs cannot learn another behavior to replace the barking unless you are
present. Several things will help make bark control possible including
obedience training, plenty of play and exercise (to use up excess energy that
may otherwise be used for needless barking), and head halter training (two
brands are Promise Halter and Gentle Leader).
These halters look a bit like a horse halter and can be purchased through
many veterinary offices. You can use this halter with a lead to correct the
dog by closing its mouth and then encouraging the dog to sit (this is where
the obedience training comes in handy) and relax every time they start to try
to bark. The dog must sit until it is calm, and then it can be petted,
rewarded, or told that it is "okay" only when calm and relaxed.
Rewarding “good” behavior is more successful than just reprimanding
inappropriate behavior. It is important to respond to the dog within the first
30-60 seconds of the onset of the barking so you will have to pay close
attention.
Other items which you can use to interrupt the barking include water
sprayers, shake can (an empty soda can with coins or pebbles sealed inside),
ultrasonic trainers set appropriately, etc.
These devices will work to interrupt the barking and then you can redirect
the dog’s behavior to something more appropriate such as playing fetch or
other kinds of play. This is a simplistic description of how to handle this
situation since each dog presents its own unique personal tendencies.
There is no easy or quick fix for barking. Shock collars can be used but
absolutely must be tuned properly and only used under supervision.
For dogs that mainly bark when you are not around to correct or work with
them, the citronella collars on the market now are quite effective. These
collars are triggered to spray a citrus mist every time the dog barks and are
effective to cause most dogs to abort the barking. They eventually learn to
decrease their barking behavior. One drawback is that these collars are not
cheap but they certainly can save your sanity by helping to break the barking
behavior.
There are other bark-activated products as well. As a very last resort, a
dog can be surgically de-vocalized but it is important to know that many dogs
retain some degree of ability to make “noise” unless a radical excision of
the vocal folds is done by an experienced surgeon. No... de-barking a dog does
not affect them mentally.
Dr. Manette Kohler
If your Dog is Anxious or Stressed
Out....We Can Help!
Anxiety in dogs can include symptoms such as: pacing, tremors,
excessive biting at a particular area (especially the feet), excessive
barking, hiding, poor appetite, and even aggression toward
another animal or you.
Some dogs become anxious when left alone in the house, when
being boarded, just before and during thunderstorms, and July 4th,
when other dogs are around the house, when a new animal or
person is brought into the family, changes in routines, and car
rides (especially when going to the veterinarian or groomer).
Find out More Here:
"Mellow Out" Natural, Dog Stress Relaxer
See Also:
All Canine Care & Doggie Fun Stuff
How to Keep Your Dog & Cat Healthy
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