Excessive Barking Overview
So your dog has a lot to say? Problem barking is generally defined as barking constantly for a period of half an hour or more, or more specifically, any prolonged period of barking that irritates your neighbors. Most barking occurs while the owner is away, leaving the owner (you) with a false idea that his/her dog doesn't bark at all. Dogs that tend to bark when their owners are gone often start up after the owner is far enough to be unable to hear, and stop minutes before the owner arrives at home. Leave a tape recorder on to see how much your dog barks when you are not at home.
Why Do Dogs Bark Excessively?
The most common reasons for dogs to bark for prolonged periods of time are boredom and loneliness. Dogs also bark during play, for attention (aside from loneliness, more a "hey look at me!" type of barking), to communicate, and to alert if a stranger or scary object is nearby.
- Boredom
- Loneliness
- Seeking attention
Tips To Stop Dogs From Barking
To eliminate excessive barking long-term, you will need to address and resolve the underlying condition. Short-term fixes are suggested below:
- Leave the radio on, or the television, to give your dog a sense of company and normalcy
- Give your dog some interactive toys to occupy him while you are gone
- Get a second dog - two dogs will often keep each other company and entertained when alone
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