There is nothing I find more annoying than a barking dog. I’ve been there many times. I’ve had foster dogs that will bark nonstop for no apparent reason. It’s the worst. And I’ve been on the other end, when the neighbor’s dog starts barking and just won’t quit. It can drive you to the point of insanity.
So what can you do to stop a dog from barking? The first thing to realize is that barking is a normal and natural form of communication for dogs. It may be hard to remember in the midst of the noise, but it does serve a function. It’s important to identify what is causing the dog to bark before the behavior can be changed. It’s a little more complicated when it’s the neighbor’s dog, but not impossible.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), there are five main types of barking:
· Demand barking – a demand being made by one’s dog, usually directed at its owner.
· Lonely and boredom barking – common in dogs that are left alone all day.
· Safety and anxiety barking – a dog’s way of warding off potential threats.
· Warning and security barking – a dog’s bark that is generally used in a pack situation to warn other pack members of an impending danger.
· Anticipation barking – the high-pitched, over-excited, dancing-and-jumping-around bark.
Let’s tackle the hardest to deal with: a neighbor’s barking dog. This type of situation often occurs because the dog is lonely or bored. Most likely, the owners aren’t home when it’s happening, so the first thing to do is make them aware. I had to do this once and it was not the most comfortable thing to do. I hate any kind of confrontation. I knocked on their door and let them know that their dog was barking all day while they were at work. Because I am a dog lover, I was able to show more concern than annoyance. Like I thought, they weren’t aware and immediately went to work to fix the problem. The most important thing they did was leaving their dog with toys to keep him from getting bored. They also closed the blinds so the dog couldn’t see the people walking by the house. Thank goodness it worked.
My friend Maureen has a big problem with demand barking. Harley and Matilda have her wrapped around their little paws. The problem is that she has unknowingly reinforced this bad behavior by reacting to it. When a dog is outside and begins to bark, jumping right up to let them in only reinforces this behavior. If the dog isn’t let in fast enough the next time, it will probably bark longer and louder to achieve the same result. The whole point of this bark is that the dog now believes he has gained control. And, in fact, he has.
Safety/anxiety dog barking can go on for 20 minutes or longer. High levels of panting, shaking and pacing may accompany it. Attempts at calming the dog will likely fail and may only serve to enhance the barking and anxiety. Instead, try to find out what the dog is afraid of and try to overcome it a little at a time. Use distractions when introducing the dog to a new situation such as toys or food. Never force a dog into a circumstance; instead, be patient and it will eventually come around. If it continues without any signs of improvement, it’s time to call in a professional.
Most people are familiar with the warning bark. Anytime the mailman or a stranger approaches the door, the dog barks to discourage the person from entering. This bark is generally not troublesome and usually only lasts as long as the dog feels there is a risk. It can become a problem for a dog that is not properly socialized. Teaching a dog the “leave it” command can help it stop barking and realize there is no danger.
Gabby has my favorite anticipation bark ever. Anytime I say the word “walk” (or simply put on my shoes), she’s up – dancing, whining and barking. She knows something she loves is coming and just can’t contain her excitement. This can also happen if a dog sees something they love like a friend or dog park. Most people don’t mind this kind of barking but to lessen the excitement, don’t yell at the dog or jerk on its leash, as that will only add to the excitability. To help keep a pup at a more even keel, always make sure that it is exercised and take the time to properly train it from the very beginning.
Barking is a habit that can quickly become an irritation but it can also be overcome with time and work. Be sure not to add to the chaos by yelling loudly or blowing a fuse. Patience, time and work are the essentials to conquering any bad habit.
Lori Fusaro has been voted the best portrait photographer by FoxTV three years in a row. She lives in Culver City with her husband, four cats, and dog. Contact: Lori@FusaroPhotography.com, FusaroPhotography.com.
