Tips To Cure Excessive Barking

When your dog is barking, you might be dealing with more than one headache. On one hand, your dog is upset and on the other hand, your neighbors are probably ready to read you the riot act. If you have a dog that is barking excessively, you'll find that you need to do something to quiet them, but you may be unsure as to what should be done. When you are looking to make sure that your dog stops barking so much, keep the following tips in mind.

1. Make Sure They Are Taken Care Of The first thing you need to check is if your dog has everything they need. A dog will bark to communicate something with you, and if their needs aren't being met the barking could be a cry for help. Look to make sure they have water, and food. Also, pick up their waste frequently. Dogs don't like to use a dirty toilet as much as we don't. Plus, make sure nobody is teasing them, they could be barking from irritation. If they are outside while it's raining give them somewhere they can stay dry, or if it's hot out, a place to stay cool. This will eliminate barking for any of these reasons.

2. They Have Nothing Better To Do When your dog has been barking a great deal, you might find that they are in a position where they are bored or has too much energy. If you take them out once a day, you'll find that you might need to take them out twice a day instead. You'll also find that some dogs will crave more mental stimulation than you might think, and should be constantly trained or drilled on the things that they have already learned. Breeds that have problems with idleness are very accustomed to working, so keep that in mind.

3. Don't Pay Attention To Them Your dog may be begging for a little attention. They could just be lonely is all. Don't yell, or scold your dog when they are barking. If they are barking because they are lonely then your yelling is just going to confuse, and hurt them. If they are barking because they are anxious you'll find that your yelling is making the anxiety worse. Plus, if they are barking for attention they just got it. Whether it be positive or negative attention, all they know is they got attention. So go outside and wait until they calm down for a few second at least. Then, give them attention and love. This may help a great deal with anxiety barking, and barking from loneliness.

4. Check Their Territory The barking your dog is doing may just be a warning to any intruders that are lurking around your house. Like the mail carrier, or paper delivery person. Check around and see if any kids around the neighborhood are teasing them. You may need to put your dog in a place where they cannot hear these supposed intruders. Barking as a threat may be a good thing later on if someone is trying to break in to your house. So don't scold them simply hide the everyday noises from them. Being a dog owner it is crucial that you keep them quiet. If the neighbors call the pound and complain about the noise too many times, your dog may be taken away. So keep them quiet, and keep them from annoying the neighbors.

By Amy.