| Thousands of years ago, humans began the | | | | the smallest provocation. A strongly territorial dog |
| process of domesticating the dog and shaping | | | | may bark at any stranger, invited or uninvited, |
| what "being a dog" really means. Through careful | | | | entering your property. |
| selection and breeding, an astonishing variety of | | | | Solutions to Excess Barking |
| dog breeds have been created. Desirable traits | | | | Excess barking can be a serious behavioural |
| have been selected for in various breeds that are | | | | problem and can mean the termination of the |
| of a benefit to humans. There are some traits, | | | | relationship with your dog or the dog itself if left |
| however, that quickly become undesirable when | | | | untreated. The following text includes information |
| expressed too frequently. Barking is an example | | | | on how to solve your dog's problem barking as |
| of a natural behaviour that is encouraged in terms | | | | recommended by the veterinary profession. |
| of guarding behaviour, but becomes a problem | | | | The first step in solving problem barking, is to |
| when the behaviour is produced in excess. A | | | | determine if your dog is barking in response to |
| recent health insurance investigation revealed that | | | | inadequate shelter or improper confinement. If this |
| the sound of a continually barking dog was cited | | | | is the case, the dog must be provided with a |
| as the most disruptive and stress inducing noise | | | | comfortable amount of space or supplied with a |
| for humans. | | | | doghouse if outdoor shelter is inadequate. |
| Why Do Dogs Bark? | | | | Increasing the amount of exercise given to your |
| Barking, in addition to whining, howling and | | | | dog may also help. |
| growling, is a dog's natural means of | | | | In the event your dog is barking in response to |
| communication. Barking is characterized by a | | | | environmental noises, or the barking is simply due |
| series of short, sharp sounds, that tend to vary | | | | to its temperament, behavioural modification |
| little in tone or pitch. A dog's bark can signify | | | | methods should be used. These methods can |
| territorial protection, exertion of dominance, or | | | | include reconditioning using a verbal reprimand such |
| expression of some need. Typically, barking is "a | | | | as "No!", and leash correction. It should be noted |
| means of communication triggered by a state of | | | | however, that you should never yell at your dog, |
| excitement." Being a natural trait, barking is not | | | | as loud noises may encourage your pet to bark |
| considered a behavioural problem, until it is | | | | more. Also keep in mind the punishment should be |
| produced in excess. | | | | applied while the barking is occurring, in order for |
| Causes of Problem Barking | | | | your dog to associate the unwanted behaviour |
| Problem barking has a variety of origins. Genetics | | | | with the punishment. Also remember to reward |
| does influence a dog's tendency to bark. Certain | | | | your dog when it stops barking. |
| breeds belonging to the terrier family are prone | | | | Indirect intervention methods can also be applied. |
| to more frequent barking than breeds such as | | | | These techniques can range from spraying your |
| Greyhounds or Basenjis. Generally, however, | | | | dog with water while it is barking, to using noise |
| excess barking can exist in any breed of dog. The | | | | producing devices such as "Dog Stop" or "Barker |
| key to solving the problem of inappropriate | | | | Breaker," which emit loud or high frequency |
| barking is to determine what external stimulus is | | | | sounds that interrupt and deter barking. These |
| triggering the behaviour. Improper confinement | | | | devices can be controlled by the owner, or |
| can be a major cause of problem barkers. | | | | triggered by the dog's barking. In the event your |
| Improper confinement can include leaving a dog | | | | dog is resistant to these behavioural modifications, |
| alone in a locked room, or in a dog crate (a tool | | | | more drastic action can be taken in the form of |
| used for housebreaking and other behavioural | | | | bark activated shock collars. This device is |
| modifications). Other improper confinements can | | | | particularly effective when barking occurs in the |
| include restricted tethering outdoors, or even an | | | | owner's absence. Shock collars, however, are |
| enclosed yard without proper shelter from the | | | | recommended only after other control measures |
| elements. Such confinement can cause frustration | | | | have failed. A final resort, when all other |
| in a dog and cause it to bark excessively. Closely | | | | behavioural modification methods have been tried, |
| associated with improper confinement is lack of | | | | and particularly when the dog's life is in question, is |
| exercise as a cause of excess barking. When a | | | | a vocal cordectomy (debarking). This surgical |
| dog is not provided with adequate exercise, | | | | procedure involves removal of all or part of the |
| pent-up energy is released through barking. | | | | vocal cords. |
| Environmental sounds can also trigger barking. | | | | The key to solving the problem of excess barking |
| These sounds include such things as the barking | | | | in your dog begins with an understanding of what |
| of other dogs, the sound of passing cars, strange | | | | is causing this behaviour. Once you have |
| voices, thunder, and mechanical noises such as the | | | | determined a cause, you have a greater chance |
| ringing of the phone. Noises can initiate barking at | | | | of choosing the most effective solution (e.g., |
| different times of the day. A dog may not bark | | | | more exercise) or behavioural modification. |
| at accustomed sounds during the day, but at | | | | Modifying such an instinctive and natural behaviour |
| night may be incited to a volley of barking, much | | | | as barking can be difficult, and may require |
| to the chagrin of the neighbours, by the slightest | | | | considerable patience, time, and hard work. |
| of noises. Other causes of problem barking can | | | | Solutions, however, are possible, and worth the |
| include separation anxiety, or the temperament of | | | | effort. |
| the dog: an over-aggressive animal may bark at | | | | |