What might Cause a
dog to Bark?
Some
Suggestions: (please click on the links for quick reference)
Isolation Fence line Distractions
Changes in the Dogs Life Teaching the Dog to Bark
BREED OF DOG
Barking is a natural behaviour that may occur more
in some breeds or individual dogs than others because of their breeding or
temperament. Some are more excitable, whilst others are more likely to react to confinement or isolation by barking.
Prospective owners need to carefully select a dog suitable for their lifestyle and home environment.
CONFINEMENT
Dogs will bark at any noises or movements they can
see, hear and smell but are not able to investigate or reach. People or dogs
passing by, birds flying overhead, lawn mowers, the telephone ringing, a knock
on the door, livestock in adjacent paddocks or the sound of other dogs may
trigger a bout of barking.
A well socialised dog that has been given a variety of experiences when young is less likely to overreact to outside distractions.
ISOLATION
Dogs are social animals and will actively seek the
company of other dogs and people. When left alone in back yards all day they
may bark for attention. Most dogs will adapt to being left on their own if
conditioned to do so from an early age. Leaving the dog alone for short periods
at first and then gradually increasing the time to the maximum period it will regularly
spend on its own, will help the dog to adjust.
Owners can also assist by establishing a routine so that the dog receives attention when they are home.
FENCE-LINE DISTRACTIONS
A dog should not be kept near a walkway, hostile
neighbours, or where children can tease it. The location of the dog's kennel or
run may need to be changed if it is too close to a neighbour or other
distractions.
Neighbours who have dogs that growl and bark at each other should restrict each of the dogs access to the fence-line. A high solid fence or confining the dog to the rear of a property can prevent a dog from growling, barking or lunging at passers-by.
VISITORS
A dog will often bark at visitors arriving, whether
they are strangers or friends, especially if it is behind a barrier. If a dog
is introduced to the visitors, it won't be so vocal when they arrive.
ANXIETY
Many dogs are anxious or insecure when their owners
are absent and may cope with the stress of separation by barking, digging or
chewing.
Plastic or hide bones should be given to the dog before its owner leaves home as these can provide an outlet for the dog's anxiety. Minimal attention should be given to the dog before its owner departs.
EXCITEMENT
Excitable dogs will bark when overstimulated. This
frequently occurs during play or when the dog is chasing a ball or birds in the
garden.
CHANGES IN THE DOGS LIFE
A major change in an older dog's lifestyle or
environment may cause excessive barking. If an owner starts working longer
hours, a marriage breaks up, a new baby arrives or a family shifts house, the
amount and type of attention the dog receives or its status in the household
may change.
Instead of ignoring the dog, the owner should establish a new routine that includes exercise, training and play.
DISCOMFORT
Dogs that are hot, wet, cold or without shelter may
bark, as will dogs that are sick or in pain, hungry, thirsty or entangled in
their chain. Before leaving home, the owner must ensure that their dog has
access to good shelter, bedding, food, water and familiar toys throughout the
day.
Dogs that are kept inside should have access to the outside when their owners are absent.
TEACHING THE DOG TO BARK
If a dog is taken for a walk, brought into the
house or comforted because its barking is too loud and prolonged, then the
barking will always be loud and prolonged. The dog soon learns that barking can
be rewarding.
If a dog is brought inside the house because of its barking it must be done so on a permanent basis. A part of the house can be sectioned off for its use.
Related
reference documents/links
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