by Kevin Lynch

Dogs bark for quite a few reasons. Chiefly, barking is a means of communication. Some breeds are more well known for excessive barking but every dog barks at times. There are situations when you want your dog to bark for communication purposes with you but everyone gets annoyed with a dog that barks excessively.

There are generally a few reasons why a dog will bark excessively. One of the main reasons why a dog barks is because of boredom. Dogs are pack animals, they love daily exercise, interaction with others and social stimulation. If they are spending most of their time being cooped up in the house or even outdoors in the same yard everyday they may need more stimulation. Try taking your dog for more walks around the block or do some structured playtime every day. This may stop your dog from excessive barking if he barks because he is bored.

Being overly nervous or frightened will also prompt a dog to start barking excessively. Properly socialized dogs tend to be calmer and more relaxed around various people and in various situations but a dog that is not used to new things may start barking out of anxiety. Start socializing your dog by taking him to new and different places and into new situations. Offer him praise and rewards when he is quiet and well behaved and soon he will will be less nervous as he will associate the pleasing treat with the situation rather than nervousness.

Dogs will attempt to get your attention when they want something by barking. You want your dog to communicate with you but you do not want this type of barking to become out of control. If you respond to his barking by giving him what he wants he will continue to bark every time. Attempt to reinforce other communication behaviors by using praise and treats.

Sometimes dogs bark because of separation anxiety. They just don’t want you to leave them and they bark until you come home. This is disruptive to the neighbors and others so it is definitely something you need to avoid. It may be easier to do this if you begin when your dog is still a pup and crate him before you leave. That way he is happily in his own space and he will not miss you nearly as much. Also do not make a big deal out of leaving but just quietly slip away. He will probably notice that you are gone but he won’t be so vocal about it.

Dogs bark to protect you and there are situations when we all would appreciate that. However, every single day when the mailman or mail person! comes to deliver the mail is not one of those times! This is atime when socialization and training can really pay dividends. Go with your dog to meet the mailman, let them become acquainted and hopefully your dog will not bark at him everyday. Another way to get him to stop barking at inappropriate times is to distract him with a game or a treat. But when your dog barks to protect you remember that there may come a time when you will appreciate that so limit your training to people you know.

You can train your dog not to bark excessively. A professional dog trainer can offer you some tips but usually more socialization and more playtimes do wonders to stop excessive barking. Your dog is barking for a reason though, so it is wise to figure out the reason why and adjust your training to that.

If your dog only barks for proper communication you and others like you will enjoy your dog more. Start training your dog not to bark excessively while he is still a puppy and by the time he is grown up you will know that if he is barking it is for a good reason.

About the Author:
If you are interested in the best training for your puppy, then check out the articles by this dog trainer, Kevin Lynch.

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