Why Does My Dog Bark?

Dogs are a lot of fun, but they also require a fair amount of work. If an owner does not put the necessary work into the dog, it becomes very difficult for anyone to really enjoy the animal. Examples of dogs who have not been properly worked with abound in the media. As a responsible dog owner, you need to be concerned with your pet's behavior.

Many new dog owners are perplexed with the question of why their dog barks so much. Sometimes there is an adjustment period when getting a new pet, but if the barking has become excessive the owner should be concerned.

Perhaps the most obvious reason for barking is communication. Often dogs will bark when they are excited (i.e. a car drives by or a ball is thrown) or they are in need of something simple (i.e. going potty or need a drink of water). As owners get to know their dogs better, some claim (much like when a baby cries) different types of barks mean different things.

Some dogs bark so much it causes a problem. The dog may be well feed, watered, etc but they bark constantly. This type of behavior can create real problems for owners and be a nuisance to neighbors. This type of barking can indicate a deeper problem.

A common mistake of new dog owners is they neglect a dog's exercise. Perhaps the owners do not exercise themselves, and so they feel the dog will also be content with a sedentary lifestyle. Even lap dogs need daily exercise, though maybe not as much as more athletic breeds. Owners should be taking dogs for walks every day. Without proper exercise dogs will begin to lash out in destructive ways, including excessive barking. Giving your dog a workout every day should be the biggest way to minimize if not eliminate negative behaviors.

Perhaps you purchased your dog for protection, to warn when someone is approaching your house, etc. If the dog is barking when people are coming to the door, they should not be remanded for such behavior but rather rewarded. Many dogs feel a natural drive to protect their family and will alert through barking whenever they perceive a threat.

Sometimes dogs bark out of loneliness. If you are going to own a dog, you must give it proper attention. Simply leaving the dog in the backyard or other secluded area away from the family can lead to excessive barking. Play with your dog regularly and integrate them into family activities as much as possible to help reduce feelings of being cut off.

Dogs still need socialization, just like humans. Imagine if you were kept inside all the time, never going around other people or animals. You would be fearful of anyone outside of your family, perhaps lashing out in aggressive ways to keep others at a perceived safe distance. When taking dogs for walks, try going to parks or other busy places: not only will your dog get exercise, but he will also learn proper social skills.

For more information on dog barking, see these websites:

http://www.cuhumane.org/topics/bark.html
http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/tips/basics_barking_natural.php