Barking!!!
BARKING!!!!!
Dogs barking is natural; and they often bark for a reason.
If your dog is barking to excess,
you need to pay attention to the reasons s/he may be doing this.
Yes, "PAY" is the pivotal word here, as it might cost you some time/attention.
(1) Maybe s/he is participating in the dog-matic, democratic process of
electing a president (LOL) - see last month's DOG POEM in the Archieves
(2) S/he may be saying good morning to his neighbor friends/pack
(3) S/he might fulfilling his/her duty as a watch dog and is warning you
(4) S/he may be frustrated due to a variety of reasons:
- Lack of sufficient exercise
- Lack of appropriate attention
- Boredom
(5) This might be a bad habit, a way of seeking your attention.
Incessant barking is bad for the dog and annoys the neighbors and you!
What to do?
(1) Try to understand what is driving the barking so you can respond
(rather than react).
(2) Talk to your dog, to affirm you still love him/her. You might want to
praise him/her for being "Such a good watch dog," then take control.
Be patient - and persistent! Persistent Patience - that's the ticket!
Run the check list:
- Did s/he get some good exercise today? Barking may reflect pent-up energy.
- Does s/he need a little playful attention?
- Am I meeting my dog's needs? (Breeds vary)
If there is no clear reason for the barking - one you can fix - try this:
Communicate with your dog.
(3) Firmly say, "ENOUGH" . . . while standing very close.
(4) If the barking lessens or stops, praise the dog, "Good dog"
(5) It NOT, repeat the command, "ENOUGH!" a little more firmly.
(6) If the barking persists after a second command,
put the dog on a 6 foot lead, tethered to you while you go about your
business. Dogs usually prefer freedom particularly inside, and you can gently
jerk the lead as a correction if s/he continues to bark.
(7) Give the dog something to do - a toy, a chew toy, a walk, something to
distract him/her.
I'm not fond of electric collars to zap the dog when s/he barks. Try to determine
the dog's rationale for barking -- it often reflects an unmet need. Meet the need -
that is our job and our blessing.
The irony here, is that this picture is of Rosie - one of the most calm, gentle dogs I know - but she can bark when she really wants something. It is almost comical that this is the only photo I have a PETZRGR8 barking dog.
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Barking Barking Barking!
The sun comes up, and puppy barks,
He says “Hello,” while it’s still dark.
He barks so loud and barks “Good day,”
To all his friends, some far away.
He barks for food to eat, oh yes,
He barks for yummy snacks, I guess.
He barks so loud most all the day,
“Ruff, ruff,” he barks, as he plays.
He barks when postmen bring the mail.
He barks at people, big or frail.
When we don’t play, he barks so loud,
He wants attention, he wants a crowd.
His barking’s driving me insane.
Oh dear, oh me, I guess his name
Should be Barky, yes it should.
What can I do do, if I could?
If we can play with less harsh sound,
Dad won't take him to the pound.
by Marti © 2000