Dogs bark to communicate, just like we communicate through words. So, the idea that your dog is going to be quiet all the time is far-fetched. But if your dog just wont stop barking or likes to taunt the family cat, there are some ways you can address the problem. A barking dog is not just a nuisance, but it can also get a dog owner kicked out of an apartment, cited for noise, and the bane of the neighborhood. It’s also just annoying to you, too, likely.

Why does this neuccance barking happen and how do you stop it? These are the questions the team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to answer.

Excessive Barking in Dogs

There are several reasons why a dog will bark too much. Beyond the normal barking (at a squirrel or during play), chronic barking can signal many issues in a pet, from pain to anxiety, lack of socialization to loneliness. Let’s look at some of the reasons behind nuisance barking.

Fear and Aggression – A fearful dog is more likely to lash out at strangers and unknown situations than most dogs. Dogs with noise anxiety, such as an aversion to fireworks, thunderstorms, and sirens will sound off as a way to express their fear and concern. If your dog has a phobia and is experiencing ongoing fear, this can lead to aggression if left untreated. 

Age – Older dogs will sometimes bark more often as their cognitive function decreases. Many aged dogs have the onset of cognitive dysfunction and sensory changes, such as hearing loss and blindness.

Separation anxiety and loneliness – The howling dog is the equivalent of a lonely one. If your dog is howling and barking every time you leave, they may have separation anxiety. Likewise, if your dog is left alone too much, they may be bored and need a dog sitter to come in and play with them, while the family is away. 

Attention – Dogs adore getting our attention, even if it means they have to engage in negative behaviors like barking and digging. If you haven’t been playing with your pet or exercising them, they may resort to barking. This type of bark also indicates they want to direct your attention to something in their environment or that they want to play or eat.

Claiming their territory – Dogs, like cats, have an instinct to protect their turf. If your dog barks at all other dogs or animals that have the audacity to pass by their yard, this may be territorial barking. 

Putting a Stop to Nuisance Barking

Now that you know a bit more about your dog’s desire to bark, there are ways to prevent ongoing barking. 

1. Remove all of the triggers for their barking. If it is boredom, give them something to do. If they bark at passers by, close the curtain. Remove the trigger(s) to avoid chronic or repeat barking.
2. Train your dog if you haven’t already taught them basic obedience and the rules of the home.
3. Enlist the help of a dog walker or pet sitter to check in with your pet if the issue is separation anxiety or loneliness.
4. Make sure your dog is getting plenty of exercise each day.
5. Give your pet enrichment items like toys and dental chews.
6. Have your dog examined to rule out any medical issues that might be the cause of the nuisance barking.

For more information on nuisance barking or to schedule an appointment, please call us.

The post Barky Buddy: Nuisance Barking and How to Stop It appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Even people with little to no experience with dogs can recognize the qualities of a “good dog.” They rarely bark or jump up on people, stay off of the furniture, and remember when it’s time to go outside for their bathroom needs. Likewise, “good dogs” don’t run away, chase after wildlife, and do not attack people and other animals. 

We’d love to think that dogs are simply born this way, but the truth is, well-mannered dogs have been trained to behave in certain ways around very specific stimuli. Don’t worry—the keys to effective dog training and proper socialization are within reach. 

Plays Well With Others

It’s not their fault that dogs are sort of, well, clueless when it comes to the rules of humans. They have to be taught the right ways of doing things. Once they understand the expectations of their people, they can claim their rightful place in the household hierarchy (which may or may not include a spot on the couch!).

More Than Commands

Basic obedience is critical to establishing your dog’s manners. Understanding and demonstrating a mastery of basics, such as sit, stay, down, heel, come, and more, give dogs and their owners a powerful sense of safety and security.

Reward-based or positive reinforcement dog training gives dogs significant pieces of the puzzle. While older training methods relied on punishing bad or unwanted dog behavior, positive reinforcement training offers dogs valuable opportunities to learn the right ways to please their owners. When they behave well, they are given small, but very tasty, treats.

Don’t Waffle

The single most effective way to train a dog is through an unwavering, consistent approach. Owners are tasked with constant awareness and observation of their dog’s behaviors. If you want them to understand that good behaviors equal rewards/treats, it is essential to monitor what they’re doing.

Finally, dog owners must ignore “bad” dog behavior. If they pick up any reaction, including negative attention, the action that you’re not pleased with could inadvertently become reinforced.

Can You Handle It?

Dogs that are handled from a very early age have the capacity to understand various types of interactions. Thus, it’s really important to their social skills to be experienced with human touch, exposure to other animals, certain noises, and various environments (once they’re fully vaccinated, that is!).

Cool, Confident, Comfortable

Dog behavior can sometimes hinge upon how stimuli is framed. If they hear a siren, for example, it may be jarring at first, but they look to their owners for cues. If the owner is calm, they learn that the sound is okay. It may take some soothing and reassurance at first (and fear from specific stimuli may never go away entirely), but dogs have the potential to react in the ways their owners do. 

What This Means for Dog Behavior

A dog that receives regular opportunities to learn and show their skills is a happy dog. Generally speaking, dogs that have been trained and socialized are well-adjusted, calm, open, and flexible. Others may be prone to separation anxiety, stress, and discomfort in the presence of strangers.

At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital we are always happy to talk about promising or puzzling dog behavior traits. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns!

The post How Training and Socialization Lead to Good Dog Behavior appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.