Dog Talk

Hi everyone. Its time for another post. This one is about barking. One of the many ways dogs talk to us and to other dogs.
  Barking is not bad behavior, it is simply canine behavior. Dogs bark, in part because during the process of domestication vocalization was a trait encouraged through breeding: it made for great hunting and guard dogs. As a result, it is the most common dog sound and an all-purpose form of canine communication.
   Persistent barking, however, can be a problem. The key to dealing with this problem behavior is to look beyond the behavior to the reason why. Learn about barking and you will have a better understanding of your dog, what triggers nuisance barking, and how to discourage it.
    Understanding that our dogs get all information from us you can learn to change the cues you give.

EXCESSIVE BARKING

    This kind of barking is usually a result of owner mismanagement. Not to put any owner down. We simply don't know these things, that is why I am doing this blog.
     Does your dog bark constantly when you are on the phone? Or watching TV ? If you reprimand him at these moments you are actually rewarding him. If he learns that nuisance barking gets him what he wants-in this case, your attention-he will  remember it the next time.When your dog barks excessively, look at the context to determine if his behavior is a natural reaction to a stressful situation, such as being left alone for long periods of time, or if it is an inappropriate behavior that he plays out to get attention.
     Duration, tone, and rhythm all provide clues to your dogs message, as does the situation that triggers the barking. Be aware of what your dogs body language is saying. Don't let your dog go barking up the wrong tree.
     Don't allow your dog get to an excessive point, stop it before it escalates too far. If you have questions please ask.
     Till next time.....