BARKING:
If you've ever wondered if your dog's bark is worse than his proverbial
bite, the answer may lie no further than your next-door neighbor. Some
canine behavior problems, such as house soiling, affect only a dog's
family. But problems such as escaping and excessive barking can result
in neighborhood disputes and violations of animal control ordinances,
and that means problems with your pet can soon become "people problems."
If your dog's "talkative nature" has created tension with your
neighbors, then it's a good idea to discuss the problem with them. It's
perfectly normal and reasonable for dogs to bark from time to time, just
as children make noise when they play outside. But continual barking for
long periods of time is a symptom of a problem that needs addressing
from the perspective of your neighbors and your dog.
The first thing to do is determine when and for how long your dog barks,
and what causes him to bark. You may need to do some clever detective
work to obtain this information, especially if the barking occurs when
you're not home. Ask your neighbors what they see and hear, drive or
walk around the block and watch and listen for a while, or start a tape
recorder or video camera when you leave for work. With a little effort
you should be able to find out which of the common problems discussed
below is the cause of your dogs barking.
Learn Why Your Dog Barks
Social Isolation/Frustration/Attention-Seeking
Your dog may be barking out of boredom and loneliness if:
He's left alone for long periods of time without opportunities to
interact with you.
His environment is relatively barren, without companions or toys.
He's a puppy or adolescent (under three years old) and doesn't have
other outlets for his energy.
He's a particularly active type of dog (like the herding or sporting
breeds) who needs to be occupied to be happy.
Recommendations:
Expand your dog's world and increase his "people time" in the following
ways:
Walk your dog at least twice daily, it's good exercise, both mental and
physical. Walks should not only be considered "potty breaks."
Teach your dog to fetch a ball or Frisbee® and practice with him as
often as possible.
Teach your dog a few commands and/or tricks and practice them every day
for five to ten minutes.
Take a dog-training class with your dog. This allows you and your dog to
work together toward a common goal.
To help fill the hours that you're not home, provide safe, interesting
toys to keep your dog busy, such as Kong®-type toys filled with treats
or busy-box toys. Rotating the toys will make them seem new and
interesting.
If your dog is barking to get your attention, make sure he has
sufficient time with you on a daily basis (petting, grooming, playing,
and exercising).
Keep your dog inside when you're unable to supervise him.
Let your neighbors know that you are actively working on the problem.
If your dog is well socialized and you have your employer's permission,
take your dog to work with you every now and then.
When you have to leave your dog for extended periods of time, take him
to a "doggie day care center," hire a pet sitter or dog walker, or have
a trusted friend or neighbor walk and play with him.
Territorial/Protective Behavior
Your dog may be barking to guard his territory if:
The barking occurs in the presence of "intruders," which may include the
mail carrier, children walking to school, and other dogs or neighbors in
adjacent yards.
Your dog's posture while he's barking appears threatening tail held high
and ears up and forward.
You've encouraged your dog to be responsive to people and noises
outside.
Recommendations:
Teach your dog a "quiet" command. When he begins to bark at a passerby,
allow two or three barks, then say "quiet" and interrupt his barking by
shaking a can filled with pennies or squirting water at his mouth with a
spray bottle or squirt gun. This surprise should cause him to stop
barking momentarily. While he's quiet, say "good quiet" and pop a tasty
treat into his mouth. Remember, the loud noise or squirt isn't meant to
punish him; rather it's to distract him into being quiet so you can
reward him. If your dog is frightened by the noise or squirt bottle,
find an alternative method of interrupting his barking (perhaps throw a
toy or ball near him).
Desensitize your dog to the stimulus that triggers the barking. Teach
him that the people he views as intruders are actually friends and that
good things happen to him when these people are around. Ask someone to
walk by your yard, starting far enough away so that your dog isn't
barking, then reward quiet behavior and correct responses to a "sit" or
"down" command with special treats such as little pieces of cheese. As
the person gradually comes closer, continue to reward your dog's quiet
behavior. It may take several sessions before the person can come close
without your dog barking. When the person can come very close without
your dog barking, have him feed your dog a treat or throw a toy for him.
If your dog barks while inside the house when you're home, call him to
you, have him obey a command such as "sit" or "down," and reward him
with praise and a treat. Remember to pay attention to your dog when he's
being quiet, too, so that he comes to associate such behavior with
attention and praise.
Don't encourage this type of barking by enticing your dog to bark at
things he hears or sees outside.
Have your dog spayed or neutered to decrease territorial behavior.
Fears and Phobias
Your dog's barking may be a response to something he's afraid of if:
The barking occurs when he's exposed to loud noises, such as
thunderstorms, firecrackers, or construction noise.
Your dog's posture indicates fear ears back, tail held low.
Recommendations:
Identify what's frightening your dog and desensitize him to it. You may
need professional help with the desensitization process. Talk to your
veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication while you work on behavior
modification.
During thunderstorms or other frightening times, mute noise from outside
by leaving your dog in a comfortable area in a basement or windowless
bathroom, and leave on a television, radio, or loud fan. Block off your
dog's access to outdoor views that might be causing a fear response, by
closing curtains or doors to certain rooms. Avoid coddling your dog so
that he doesn't think that he is being rewarded for his fearful
behavior.
Separation Anxiety
Your dog may be barking due to separation anxiety if:
The barking occurs only when you're gone and starts as soon as, or
shortly after, you leave.
Your dog displays other behaviors that reflect a strong attachment to
you, such as following you from room to room, greeting you frantically,
or reacting anxiously whenever you prepare to leave.
Your dog has recently experienced a change in the family's schedule that
means he's left alone more often; a move to a new house; the death or
loss of a family member or another family pet; or a period at an animal
shelter or boarding kennel.
Recommendations:
Some cases of separation anxiety can be resolved using
counter-conditioning and desensitization techniques. Successful
treatment for some cases may also require the use of medication
prescribed by your veterinarian.
Bark Collars
There are several types of bark collars on the market, and we generally
don't recommend them. The main drawback of any bark collar is that it
doesn't address the underlying cause of the barking. You may be able to
eliminate the barking, but symptom substitution may occur and your dog
may begin digging or escaping, or become destructive or even aggressive.
A bark collar must be used in conjunction with behavior modification
that addresses the reason for the barking, as outlined above. You should
never use a bark collar on your dog if his barking is due to separation
anxiety, or fears or phobias, because punishment always makes fear and
anxiety behaviors worse.
Adapted from material originally developed by applied animal
behaviorists at the
Dumb Friends League, Denver, Colorado.
If you have questions or need our services, please contact the shelter at 618.346.5213 or contact us today via e-mail
Copyrights 2009 WARREN BILLHARTZ ANIMAL SHELTER OF
COLLINSVILLE. A KTLLC Communications Solution