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November 19, 2020
Dogs are a wonderful and welcome addition to a home, but if they’re barking constantly, maybe not as welcome as they could be. Whether your pup is a consistent nighttime barker, barks at his own shadow, or can’t help barking up a storm when he sees other dogs, it’s understandable that you would rather he not engage in his loud habit. Plus, a dog that barks all of the time can be somewhat off-putting to visitors and to others when you’re out in public.
Before you can figure out the best way to get your pup to stop barking, you need to determine why he’s barking in the first place. Dogs bark for several reasons, all revolving around communication in some way. For example, your dog might bark because he wants food or water, to send a warning, declare his presence, or just to say hello to people and other pups.
If your pup barks at other dogs, it doesn’t automatically mean he won’t get along well with other canines. In fact, he could be trying to play or express himself to his fellow mates. But, if his barking is consistent and seems out of place, it may be that your dog hasn’t had ample opportunities for socialization. This is especially likely if there are no signs of aggression, like snapping, lunging, growling, and baring teeth, accompanying your pup’s barks. Other times, your dog might possess an intense need to protect you, and her barking could be telling other dogs, “Hey, back away from my human.”
If your dog is barking all the time, whether other pups are around or not, try to pinpoint potential triggers. What happens right before your pup’s barking that might be setting her off? Your pup could be bored, lonely, or very nervous. Any one of these feelings, or a combination of them, can cause your dog to launch into a barking frenzy.
If your dog barks all day and night, there are a few things you can implement to get her to vocalize less.
It might seem like a no brainer to get another dog to keep your pup company. Maybe if your dog has a friend, he won’t bark, right? Well, maybe yes, and maybe no. You still need to train and work with your new pup, otherwise, you’re likely just going to end up with two non-stop barkers on your hands. Dogs do this thing called honor barking where the submissive dog will bark whenever the alpha dog barks as a way to back him up and show support. So, if you want to get a second dog, ensure you have the time, money, and energy that double dogs require.
If your canine companion is relatively quiet at home, but then goes berserk when he sees other dogs, you need to approach things a bit differently. Of course, staying positive and the other things mentioned above are important, but there are a couple of extra things to keep in mind. Here are a few additional items to try if your dog goes crazy when he sees fellow pups:
If you feel like you’ve tried everything to squash your dog’s barking habit, but to no avail, then you might want to consider getting the help of a pro. You can find expert guidance by searching the Association of Professional Dog Trainers or asking for recommendations from trusted friends, family, or your vet. Sometimes, when you know you don’t have the necessary time to devote to training your pup with her barking habit, a pro is a good way to go from the outset.
Getting advice and help from a professional is well worth it, instead of letting frustrations and stress continue to mount. Before you hire a trainer, you can always ask your vet for some suggestions first. She might have some ideas you haven’t tried yet.
Debarking is a surgical procedure in which a vet removes tissue from a dog’s vocal cords to reduce the sound of barking. It is irreversible and limits your pup’s ability to vocalize naturally. In fact, it is often considered cruel and many vets refuse to perform the procedure. If you get to a point where you are seriously considering having your dog debarked, it’s better to hire a professional trainer or find a new home for your dog.
If your dog’s excessive barking is making you want to howl, don’t lose hope! There are a number of things you can do to help your pup, and you can also reach out to a professional for extra help and advice. For more tips and resources about how to handle your pup’s quirky habits and be a great pet parent, check out the rest of our blog!Comments will be approved before showing up.