Why is that every time I get relaxed and comfy Fido begins this continual barking? What is it that Fido wants?Is your dog barking for a reason or just to be annoying? It is driving me crazy.
why dogs barkis probably the most asked question by dog owners of all times. First off you must bear in mind that Fido can only talk with you by barking. He can't come over to you and gently say how about we go out for a walk or hey I'm hungry when can I eat. On the other side of the coin we as owners would be very happy if our dogs were always quiet except when danger approached. But if this is what you want then why not just get a robot who moves around the house announcing "Danger, Danger Will Robinson" when appropriate. OK in all seriousness that is not why we have dogs and we all know it. Let's get back on point.
The actual reason our dogs bark is because it is the only way they can communicate with people they care about. Bear in mind Fido has a voice but the only thing he can do is bark and bark he will. A lot of the reasons dogs bark depends on a breed and how they are raised. What is their purpose in life. Guard dogs like German Shepherds use their voice to help their masters for a common goal. German Shepherds raised to be police dogs is a good example of this. Sporting dogs like Beagles and Bloodhounds are trained to "bay" when they get the smell of their quarry. Besides barking for a trained purpose other common reason dogs bark are:
*Boredom- Fido is a social animal and wants company of other dogs and people. If he is left alone all day Fido will be lonely and bored and then he will get into trouble. As soon as you get home he is going to bark up a storm because he wants your attention.
*Hunger- Fido is aware when it is time to eat and needs to be on a normal feeding basis. Barking is the way he tells you it's time to eat.
*Danger- You dog will bark if he thinks something is wrong or someone is approaching the home. This is the best thing about your dogs barking. Your own personal alarm system.
*Playtime- Fido will always let you know when he wants to play. No doubt about it.
*Bathroom Break- If you have correctly taught Fido and this is the most important training, he will bark to let you know he has to do his business. The worst thing is to have a quiet dog who just goes around and ruin your house due to lack of house breaking.
The above causes for barking are simple to fix- a swift action on your part and peace in the house is once again restored. But what about the other causes that are difficult to fix. Some dogs bark because they want to get your attention or they want to show who is the dominate being. It is your duty to instruct your dog to recognize where on the totem pole he is located. Dogs want to the alpha dog or alpha being and if they can get their way by barking at you they will do it every time.
You must show them that they cannot bully you into doing what they want just because they think they want something. They must be taught to respect you as the master and understand they they are not the boss. Often times it is needed to use hand signals to control Fido. Now we are not talking about hitting your dog.
One method of control is to lift your hand outright and say "NO" firmly. This often is sufficient to show Fido who is in charge. Another method is to gently hold Fido's mouth closed until he submits to you. Once more use the verbal command "NO" while doing this. Once he submits and behaves then praise him for being a good boy.
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