There are a number of dog behavior problems that owners have to deal with but the most embarrassing is the barking problem because it is a bad behavior that affects not only the owner but also the neighborhood. It is normal for dogs to bark from time to time but excessive barking for long periods of time is a public nuisance that could get dog owners into trouble. To be able to stop this embarrassing and annoying behavior, you need to first understand the reasons why dogs bark excessively. You can easily address this barking problem if you know the reasons why.
Why dogs bark excessively?
To protect his territory. Protectiveness is one of the best characters of dogs. This is one of the reasons why dogs bark excessively, to protect their territory. With his protective nature, anything that agitates him is a possible threat to his territory and it will trigger him to bark excessively. Unfamiliar people like the mailman, school children walking or playing around and unfamiliar sound can trigger your canine friend to bark excessively. If you are living near a busy street or where there are too much people activities, your dog will be more exposed to things that could trigger his barking problem. It is best to keep your dog away from things that will trigger his protective nature. Keep him indoors or create a dog house for him. Find a location in your area where you can build a dog house away from the outside triggers.
Fear. Dogs may bark excessively out of fear. Unfamiliar loud noises like gun shots, thunderstorms, firecrackers and unfamiliar people may also trigger dog's fear. One of the reasons why dogs bark excessively is they need an outlet for their fears. It is important to recognize at once if your dog is suffering from anxiety or fear on something to address it properly. If left untreated, your dog's fearful behavior or anxiety might get worse. You may need to consult your veterinarian especially if your dog has extreme fears or specific phobias because there are cases that anti-anxiety medication maybe required to treat his fearfulness. It is also helpful to expose your dog to social situations. If he is exposed to different public situations, he will learn to socialize more and will be less afraid of people and new situations.
Loneliness and boredom. Dogs are pack animals and they need buddies or companion to be happy. Dogs consider their owners and their families as their pack. Loneliness could be one of the reasons why dogs bark excessively. If he is neglected, usually left alone and lacks social interaction, he will bark excessively to express his boredom and loneliness. This behavior can be addressed by spending more time with your dog and giving him the opportunity to interact with people and other dogs.
Understanding the reasons why dogs bark excessively is the first step in resolving your dog's barking problem. Dogs can learn and can adapt to their environment with the proper training and guidance. Bad habits can be unlearned and you can teach your dog to be more obedient. Discover how visit Secrets to Dog Training.
