Barking is a natural way for dogs to communicate. They bark to express a variety of emotions, including excitement, fear, and anxiety. Just as humans use different tones and words to convey meaning, dogs use different barks to convey specific messages.
While barking is a normal canine behavior, excessive barking can be disruptive. If you want your furry friend to be a little quieter, the first step is to understand what's causing the barking.
Why do dogs bark?
Humans express themselves by talking, laughing, shouting, and whispering, while dogs communicate by barking. Dogs share similarities with humans in expressing their feelings and emotions. However, there are also some differences.
Dogs bark louder than humans, and their barking doesn't necessarily indicate aggression; it's a form of communication. By paying close attention to your furry companion, you can recognize six different types of barking. Each reason for barking requires a specific approach. If you want to curb excessive barking, start by understanding the underlying cause.
Decoding your dog's bark
Dogs communicate through a variety of barks, each with a different meaning:
The exuberant bark: A high-pitched, rapid bark often greets owners upon their return home. This exuberant bark shows pure canine enthusiasm.
The Alert Bark: Dogs are naturally alert. If they sense something unusual or are frightened, they'll bark to warn their humans or other dogs. This bark can be a valuable safety tool.
The Fearful Bark: A high-pitched, frantic bark can indicate a stressed dog. Triggers vary from unfamiliar people to loud noises or being left alone.
The Territorial Bark: Protective instincts are strong in dogs. A deep, booming bark accompanied by growling and baring of teeth indicates a territorial threat. This bark is intended to warn off intruders.
The Bored Bark: Even dogs get bored! A repetitive bark can indicate frustration or a need for attention and playtime.
The Attention Bark: Dogs are intelligent creatures. They learn that barking gets results, and some may bark to get attention or treats.
Break the barking habit
Dogs bark to communicate. While you may not want to completely eliminate your dog's barking, it's important to prevent it from becoming an annoying habit. If your dog barks excessively, consider these seven tips to help curb unwanted barking. These strategies work for both puppies and adult dogs.
1. Stay calm!
If a dog is barking, there is probably a reason for it. Try to stay calm and avoid speaking loudly, as this will only make the dog think you are participating in the barking.
2. Rewarding Good Behavior
The best way to get your dog to stop barking is to start by teaching him the quiet command. You can do this by rewarding them when they listen carefully. Once they get the hang of it, the barking will eventually stop.
3. Create distraction
If you're having trouble teaching your dog a command, try distracting him as soon as he starts barking. You can do this by grabbing or dropping his favorite toy.
4. Set standards
Before you leave the house, take your dog for a brisk walk or a wild game of fetch. As soon as you step out the door, your pooch will curl up in his basket and take a nap.
5. Offer protection
A dog's territorial instinct kicks in when it perceives a potential threat. The more a dog feels threatened, the louder it will bark. To reduce the number of times your dog feels the need to bark, consider raising the height of your yard fence and putting curtains on your windows.
6. Be quick
The key to breaking a dog's barking habit is to act quickly. The sooner a dog understands that barking is undesirable, the sooner he will learn what you want him to do.7. Behavior therapy
If you're having trouble controlling your dog's barking, your dog insurance may cover behavioral therapy if your veterinarian makes a referral.
