However, similar to attention-seeking barking, this type of barking is reinforced if the person or object is removed. In most cases, the barking will stop once the threat has diminished. According to ASPCA, dogs that bark territorially will also signal to a potential trespasser that it isn’t a good idea to enter their property. So, if someone is walking by, approaching, or trying to enter an area that they consider their territory (home, backyard, etc.) or they perceive them as a threat to you (their pack), they’ll bark to alert you of the threat. This is especially true for certain breeds that were originally bred to guard or a ‘herd.’

It’s normal for your dog to feel compelled to protect you and your property. Ironically, even by yelling “quiet!” from across the room, you’re inadvertent reinforcing the barking behavior by acknowledging the dog and giving them your attention. Whether you respond positively or negatively, when your dog wants to play, go outside, or just wants extra love, they know that barking will gain your attention. Somewhere along the line, your dog has learned that if they bark, they’ll get your attention. If I had to guess this beautiful would bark for attention : ) Image: Adam W Attention seeking It’s impossible to isolate a specific reason a dog is barking, but generally, they fall into one of these six categories: attention-seeking, territorial, separation anxiety, frustration, fear, and excitement. Vocalizing is how dogs communicate with each other and with you! However, there’s a big difference between your average barker and an incessant barker. Why do dogs bark?ĭogs will be dogs, which means they’re always going to bark. Our top ultrasonic bark control device is the B ark Silencer. Thankfully, there are a variety of bark control options that you can use, including ultrasonic bark control devices, to help reduce your dog’s pesky barking behaviors. If you’re struggling with an excessive barker, you’re not alone. That’s when I discovered that there are a ton of options out there for people and pups, just like me! I had to find a quick solution to the loudest part of the problem – the barking – while I worked on the deep-rooted issues. However, I didn’t know how much time I had before my neighbors rallied to remove me from the community. I knew that curbing his separation anxiety would take time, training, and a lot of patience.

The minute I left the house, he immediately switched gears and turned into a neighborhood menace. While I was home, my dog was quiet, composed and perfectly content with cuddling up to watch the latest season of Dog Whisperer. Like most dog owners, I was completely unaware of my pup’s unfortunate behavior. My dog was showing classic signs of separation anxiety. I’ll never forget the day I came home from work to find a note hanging from my front door: “Your dog is driving me crazy, please do something.”Īpparently, to my surprise, my poor neighbors had endured countless days of incessant howling and barking.

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