Does your dog bark too much? Does it have something to say but may not know how to say it? Are you looking into buying expensive earplugs so you don't have to extensively hear your pug?
We have tips on how to manage your barkative dog. Although we're not exactly dog whisperers, here are some reasons as to why your dog may be trying to constantly remind the world it exists and how to help it calm back down without losing your calm.
1. Communication
Dogs bark. And we expect them too. Otherwise who else would replace our alarm clock at 5 in the morning?
Dogs use barking to communicate with us. Whether it’s answering nature's call, wanting to play, or if there's something serious to be concerned about (Squirrel!), there is always a reason for the barking. To manage excessive barking, it's important to figure out what your dog needs and address it accordingly.
2. Protection
According to the American Kennel Club, dogs may bark excessively in response to things going on in the neighborhood, especially if they see something suspicious (yes, we're talking about you, mailman). Alert barking is a natural behavior for dogs, but it can be frustrating for owners.
To manage this, try to provide visual distractions by adding blinds and curtains to your windows. If you don't feel comfortable with that (because you're not looking to buy another chew toy for your dog), maybe consider a nice playlist, radio, or television to help muffle distracting noises from outside your home. If you're looking for a playlist, maybe something soft and quiet like white noise and not heavy metal. Even though it sounds tempting.
3. Boredom
If your dog is feeling restless, it may be barking up a storm due to all of the energy they feel inside. Maybe talk your dog out for a walk or play a nice fun game of Fetch! to help it ball out a little.
To manage excessive barking, it’s important to remove the distractions and manage your dog’s environment. One way to do this is by teaching your dog alternative behaviors, such as running to another area of the house instead of barking at the front door. Another useful tip may be to teach your dog to bring their favorite toy to their new best friend as a way of greeting them.
Remember, excessive barking can be a sign that something is wrong. If your dog's barking is becoming a problem, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian or dog trainer to address the underlying issue. Hopefully, these suggestions helped you understand your dog's love language a bit better and how to better respond to them. Even if your dog barks just to hear the sound of its own voice, there's always a good way to calm them back down until your doorbell is rung by some teenagers playing Ding Dong Ditch :) .
Please find the links for the articles used to help write this blog post below:
https://www.rd.com/article/why-do-dogs-bark/
