One of the most frequent issues I was asked to solve as a behaviourist was that of problem or nuisance barking. In some cases, my client had no idea that their dog was barking when they were out and had come to learn of it because a neighbour had complained to the local council.
Barking is, of course, a very natural thing for a dog to do. It is unreasonable to expect them not to express themselves in this way. Moreover, good barking habits can be taught to your dog if you are clear about what you want your dog to bark at. For example, to respond if a warning is needed.
When dogs bark too much the first step is to identify the type. It could be:
- Territorial/Protective
- Alarm/Fear
- Boredom/Loneliness
- Greeting/Play
- Attention Seeking
- Separation Anxiety/Compulsive Barking
The next step is to consider the possible causes. These could include (amongst other things) breeding, confinement, isolation, fence line distractions, the arrival of visitors, excitement, anxiety, the need for attention, discomfort or pain, or some change in the dog’s life.
If you aren’t there
Of course, if your dog is barking when you aren’t there then it can be harder to identify the cause. This is where modern technology can be a great help. For very little outlay it is possible to use your phone to see how your dog behaves when you are absent. You can also ask neighbours to let you know what is happening.
Keep a diary
If you aren’t sure what is triggering excessive barking, I recommend keeping a diary. This can help to identify possible causes and patterns of behaviour.
How to prevent Nuisance Barking
- A well socialised dog is less likely to over-react to triggers.
- Most dogs can adapt to being left alone if kindly trained to do so.
- If your dog has access to the garden whilst you are out, and he reacts to other dogs in the vicinity, provide a suitable place indoors.
- Ensure a good routine of feeding, mental and physical exercise to include interactive play with the humans in his life.
- Train yourself to notice barking (we sometimes just don’t hear it!) and distract/prevent it with daily training games, never just waiting for barking to start, as adrenalin will hamper your hard work.
- A tired dog is less likely to bark.
In conclusion
It is worth remembering that shouting will almost certainly stimulate your dog to bark more because he or she will probably think you’re joining in. Always speak calmly and firmly, but don’t yell. Dogs can be trained to respond to a word such as ‘quiet’. The longer you leave the problem, the longer it will take to solve. One-to-one professional support can be invaluable.
About the author
Tina Edwards is a highly valued member of the Honey’s Customer Care Team. For over fifteen years she was a very successful canine behaviourist and if you are looking for support she recommends her former colleagues at Bark Busters, who are committed raw feeders!
