How to Control your Dog's Barking
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Almost all dogs will bark at some type of noise at one time or another - determining if it will become a problem barker or not depends on
how you react to it. There are numerous theories on this behavior including boredom, aggression, teasing from an external source and
separation anxiety. Nearly all these behaviors can be cut off at the beginning if you start training them at an early age.
The majority of dogs bark at people passing in front of your house and if someone knocks at your door. This is not necessarily a bad
behavior and in most cases should be left alone.
If you feel your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, please talk to your trainer or seek advice from a behaviorist.
Most barking problems are due to boredom. This is easily dealt with. All you need to do is provide mental stimulation for your dog while
you are gone. Talk to your trainer about appropriate environmental enrichment toys for your dog like treat balls and Home Alone toys.
Giving your dog a large bone or a Kong stuffed with food will keep your dog busy for several hours and he will come to look forward to
your leaving for work, instead of dreading it.
Dogs are pack animals - it is not natural for them to be left on their own, and most are not comfortable with it. Make sure your dog has
somewhere warm and dry in winter, and a cool shady place to go in summer. Short-coated dogs will often cry or bark if they are cold.
Leaving a radio on while you are out will help your dog to feel less alone - some dogs enjoy listening to talk programs, many are soothed
by classical music. If your dog is house trained, try leaving him inside for short periods of time when you go out.
Many dogs that are distressed and agitated when left outside are happy to curl up and snooze all day inside where they feel safer.
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