What does it mean when a dog barks? The bark is the dog's word, and it can mean many things. Your dog barks when he is alerting you to an intruder, when he is afraid, when he is playful, and when he is bored. Barking is caused by the presence of stimuli such as strange people, dogs, sights or sounds, the owner's absence, or as an attention seeking mechanism.

The easiest way to control barking is to socialize your dog to make him comfortable around people, places and things and to instill in him a strong chew toy habit so that he is mentally and physically exercised and occupied. However, just as you would not attempt to completely silence a person, you should not try to completely stop your dog from barking. Your dog just needs to learn some basic bark control such as when to bark and for how long. Regardless of the reason for your dog barking, your goal is to properly socialize him, to teach him to focus on something other than barking, and to teach him to speak and be quiet on command so you can control when and for how long he barks.

Alarm Barker: Dogs who bark at the presence of intruders can be a valuable asset. It is very ironic that barking dogs are now such a problem in our society when it is also considered as an alarm. Actually, barking is believed to be one of the main reasons we domesticated dogs in the first place and one of the reasons we live with dogs today. Usually, it is not the barking that is a problem, just that the dog is a little too enthusiastic. Most people want their dogs to let them know when someone has stepped onto the property. Barking only becomes a problem if the dog does not settle afterwards.

Teach your dog to bark and be quiet on cue; thereby having an on/off switch. To implement this training, invite three friends to come over for a speak-and-shush party, and within half an hour you will have a well- trained barker. Have your dog's treat on hand. Next, instruct your visitors to knock on the door and reward your dog by saying thank you, followed by a treat when he barks. Your dog may look a bit shocked for a moment. After all, he is probably used to being yelled at when he barks. Then, to get him to be quiet, say shush,” and waggle a piece of treat in front of his nose. Once he sniffs the food, he will be quiet and so give him the treat as a reward. Repeat this many times, and your dog will become increasingly aware of how much fun it is to speak on request and how rewarding it is to shush on request.

In the wild, dogs have their own method of going about things their way. But if you want your dog to be a well-behaved pet and to live in your home with you, you must teach him the human way of living. Specifically, you have to teach your dog to redirect his normal and natural dog behaviors. Failing to learn where to relieve himself, what to chew, when to bark, when to jump up and where to dig are the top reasons why the relationship fails and people give up their dogs. Fortunately, these techniques are so simple to teach that you and your dog are guaranteed to have a long and happy life together.

Yard Barker: Barking dogs are one of the most common complaints of urban and suburban neighbors. A dog that is left outside will alert to all the visual and auditory stimuli. Dogs are usually relegated to the yard because they are not house trained or chew toy trained. If that is the case, you need to housetrain and chew toy train your dog. Take him out from the backyard and bring him into your home! Giving your dog a few well-stuffed chew toys is the easiest and most effective solution. This way he has something to think about other than barking. A well-stuffed chew toy will keep your dog busy for a while (this means no time for barking). If you need to, put his food bowl away and only feed him from his chew toys. This way, you will keep him very busy!

Attention Seeking Barker: When you are relaxed and in a good mood, tie your dog to a secure spot in the house. Stand or sit next to your dog and ignore him. When he barks, move away. When he stops, even for just a moment, move closer. Your dog will soon realize that barking means you leave and quiet means you return. When he is quiet for 10 to 15 seconds, approach and praise him followed by a treat.

Owner-Absent Barker: What if your dog barks because he is bored and stressed when left at home alone? Unfortunately, our canine friends are often left alone for long periods of time. Being social animals, it is tough for dogs to understand why their family leaves them. However, you can teach your dog to tolerate and even enjoy your absence. First, teach your dog to spend time alone when you are home. Most dog owners make the mistake of spending all the time they are home with their dog at their side. While this may seem to be a kind and loving act, it only serves to make matters worse. Your dog will become used to constant companionship and be more likely to fall apart when you leave. Instead, teach your dog to enjoy quiet moments by himself while you are home, so he will feel more confident when you are not there. Frequently and for short periods of time, confine your dog to another room, his crate or on a tie-down and give him a well-stuffed chew toy to occupy his time.      # 0010