My Dog Barks - Understand why & Solve

Barking Dogs at window

Does your dog bark? Here, I guide you through why dogs bark and how to stop your dog barking too much. Whether they bark at home, in the garden and out and about, Barking conveys a message, but also does their body, tip to tail. All needs to be taken into consideration to understand the reason and the feeling behind it. The sound, the intensity, the pitch, the rhythm. 

This guide will help you understand your dog better, and respond appropriately to their needs. This is your starting point, as ever to have an experienced behaviourist to guide you will advisable in order that they will be able to see the finer more subtle body language and environmental factors

Understand why your dog barks

To understand that although dogs do bark, it is not being naughty, they are communicating a need or an emotion, it becomes a problem for them when they remain misunderstood, either by letting them carry on or trying to stop them completely, using aversive or distraction methods, Even a “No” as this is simply not understanding why they are vocalising or addressing the dogs need. When we understand why, we can help. When you know how, you’ll be confident to help.

Everyone has their own idea how much dog bark is too much, we need to understand why the dog is barking and if it’s a call for help, frustration, despair, to create distance, or simply enjoying themselves. 

Barking is self rewarding and when it results in the desired outcome, it will continue and most often escalate.

Dogs predominantly communicate to us and others via body language, but as we know very well, they also can become very vocal. Why your dog barks and how barking works for them is individual. To stop your dog barking too much we need to first undertands why they are barking and then recude need by addressing the reason.  

The function of barking is to create distance to ward off an intruder, one who is too close for comfort. An alarm to rally the troops for back up. It can be for attention when directed towards you or in play with another, frustration of not being able to do what your dog wants to do. Or lonely or due to separation anxiety.

How to Stop Your Dog Barking So Much

In the first instance when your dog barks or preferably when you see the signs and intention to bark, acknowledge them using a kind and assertive tone, choose a word, for instance “Gottcha” if out and about, walk them away from the trigger at right angles, to a distance where they feel safe, a place to observe and process the situation, to decompress and become peaceful. If at home walk them away to another room to decompress.

By retreating with your dog in the outside world, taking the option of flight, you are showing your dog that you've seen and no action required, keep safe. Their trust in you will rise and also their own natural insinct to create distance from potential trouble. The more times you create distance,in order that your dog feels safe and does not preactice the behaviour, the less distance you will need to move away in the future as you dog begins to be more thoughtful and less reactive and simply make a curve around triggers.

At home you are also supporting them, thankful for their alert and now time for you as their guide to take over.

Whether your dog is at home in the house or garden or out on a walk, be mindful of their state of mind. A peaceful mind is created when they feel safe and supported by those around them. And in environments they feel safe.

Dog Bark For Attention

Dogs bark for attention when they've always got our attention, from a nuzzle to play or for food or attention of any kind. You can change this by playing and interacting with your dog, when you decide and or your dog is peaceful.

Play a game that is enjoyable but does not over excite them. Keep the game short and stop before your dog becomes over exuberant. Call for cuddles when they are peaceful before any demands. They will learn they get you when all is chilled.

If your dog barks at you, give your dog no attention, turn your head away, turn your body away and place hands to your side and facing your dog. If this fails to work, you need to walk away. Out of the room.

Dog barks, they don't bark at nothing or for no reason. Some dogs do not bark and that is who they are. Every dog is different and reacts in their own way. Understand their individuality and what makes them who they are.

If your dog barks too much and you'd like help to understand why and to help them live a more peaceful life, click below to contact me for a no-obligation chat.

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