My Dog is Barking - Why?
Barking is how dogs communicate but sometimes it can get out of control. This is one of the most common questions I get from people. Calling me for help with their dogs is my dog is barking, how do I make it stop? Stopping it isn’t the best answer since we still want them to communicate with us if there is a problem. Understanding the reason WHY they are barking is how I help them come up with managing the barking and addressing the issue. It’s important to understand the reason because there are different ways to approach different types of barking. To do this I do like to ask some in depth questions to help find out the root of the problem. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help address more of the problem.
Barking and Communication
Who / What is the dog barking at? Dog trainer’s will ask this question to find out are they excited about visitors coming or they guarding because there is something unknown to them in the yard. Is there an intruder at night but maybe it’s just bear in the yard? Are they scared because you are leaving?
How does the barking sound? This is an important question as there are 5 to 6 different types of barking and they do have different types of sounds. Identifying how they sound, helps to identify what type of barking it is and how to address helping your dog and to manage your dogs barking.
Where is the dog when barking? Are they by the window or by the door? In their crate? What is the vicinity?
What is he/she doing while barking? Are they jumping around like they are excited? Or shaking like they are scared or are they alert? Have they gone into hiding or running backing and forth with their tale between their legs?
How long does the barking last? Is it a brief bark or consistent? Or does it last for a specific time such as 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 3 minutes?
Another very important question is how much sleep are they getting? 8 hours? 18 hours? Adult dogs should get about 12 hours of sleep and puppies get about 18 hours.
What is their routine? Do they have one? Routines are important for dogs. Sometimes the simplest change can make the biggest difference.
If you are having problems with barking and would like to discuss more on how to help you and your dog, feel free to contact me or set up a consultation.
Wags,
Allison
