Dogs are dogs, they will bark. It’s their natural way to express and react to the surroundings. But at times when the barking becomes intolerable, it starts annoying us, humans. Generally, pet parents find temporary solutions to it without investigating what is the root cause. Unintentionally rewarding such inappropriate behavior is another mistake that boosts nuisance barking.
Remember as a pet owner it is your duty to find out the reason behind your pet’s annoying conduct. It might be boredom or separation anxiety, or maybe a response to something it is not familiar with.
While you need to figure this on your own, here are a few common reasons why dogs bark unnecessarily:-
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- Seeking attention – A dog may bark because he wants to go outside, play, or is hungry. By barking it tries to remind the owners it is time for a walk or meal.
- Separation anxiety – Dogs when left alone face anxiety and boredom that may lead to depression and destructiveness.
- Protective instincts – If a strange person or animal enters the dog’s territory, that triggers its barking. If the outside element gets closer, barking gets louder. Dogs are aggressive and alert in such cases.
- Boredom – Dogs, like humans, are social animals. They live in packs. If left alone, they get sad and depressed and bark loudly for attention.
- Playful Bark – When dogs are happy and excited, they bark. You will just know that it is a happy bark with your dog jumping and cuddling people/animals around.
Now that you are familiar with the causes, it may seem easy to spot which one your pooch experiences. To fix this behavioral issue, there are several recommendations and tips from all sorts of dog behaviorists. Some of the popular ones are listed below:-
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- Socializing – Your dog may not be quite familiar with other dogs or people and might find it awkward and strange. Barking loudly helps release the fear of an unfamiliar situation. Make sure you socialize your pet adequately, not just with living things, but also with non-living things, like a wheelchair, bike, or a train crossing.
- Surroundings – If your dog barks because of separation anxiety, one of the most popular tips is to leave the pet with a familiar household voice, like a TV show. It soothes them out. Also, try to keep them away from windows and balconies, as they might just start barking at a person or a bird at the first chance possible.
- Exercising – A tired dog is a happy dog. No matter how occupied you are, make sure youtube your furry mate out for a long walk. This will not only drain its energy but also boost its mental health. If you face time constraints, make your dog join a pet training academy, or hire a dog walker.
- Puzzles/Toys – In order to give your pet good mental stimulation, get a toy or puzzle that will keep it occupied. There are quite innovative toys in the market that lets you hide edibles inside the toy and gets your dog to wonder how to get the treat.
- Commands – Teach your pet how to stay quiet. Command them in a firm yet calm voice and then give them the treat to reinforce the habit positively.
- Ignorance – Generally dogs just bark for attention and pampering. Remember, do not respond. You are unintentionally promoting bad behavior by giving the attention they seek. Praise and treat your pet when they are lying down silently. This will make them wonder if staying quiet is a treat fetching task.
The very moment you adopted a dog, you knew that it would bark. You just need to keep a little patience and consistency to find whether your pooch is barking with excitement or they genuinely need your help.