I am writing this on a still, warm summer’s evening. My windows are wide open and over the quiet night-time hum I can hear a dog barking. Loudly and incessantly.
When we stay at our caravan, the thin walls make matters worse. I was always careful not to leave Harvey and Ella alone too long or leave them outside where they could irritate other owners and holidaymakers. But using Canine Communication meant I could be pro-active about their barking.
Dogs bark for three main reasons:
- Come back – it’s dangerous out here! (separation anxiety) If your dog barks when left alone, it’s likely they have separation anxiety. And leaving a dog outside while you are out can make matters worse – the great outdoors can have many ‘dangers’: people walking past, cars driving past, children playing loudly. Dogs don't understand what these things are and are worried their owners might be coming to harm. Your dog might bark hoping you can hear them and you will soon come back to safety. Solution: Leave your dog inside while you are out so she isn’t exposed to what she will consider dangers. A small room where they cannot see out is ideal. For some dogs it can even be kinder to crate them or at least provide a box where they can go to feel safe.
- Watch out! A dog who barks when his owners are around is just doing his job: alerting you to what he sees as a danger. And if you shout for him to be quiet he may bark all the more ¬– thinking you are angry or disturbed by the ‘threat’ he has just shown you, rather than at him. Solution: Thank your dog for making you aware of a threat and go and investigate what he is barking at.
- Me! Me! Me! (attention seeking) Then there are dogs who bark for attention. This can be a constant barking at their owners who then shout at their dog to be quiet. However in this instance your dog is getting just what she wants – attention – albeit negative attention. But just like the naughty schoolchild, getting negative attention is better than nothing so from your dog’s viewpoint she has won!
Solution: Ignore him. If your dog gets what he wants – attention every time he barks – he will continue with the unwanted behaviour. Call your dog to you and interact with him on your terms.
If your dog barks a lot it's very easy to tell why: if they bark every time you leave them alone it is a sign of separation anxiety; if your dog looks in the direction of something, it is barking to alert you to a danger; finally, if your dog is looking at you and barking, your dog is barking for attention.
Canine Communication works by positive reinforcement. It’s a reward-based way of communicating with your dog, without the need for shouting, force or gadgets. If you want to understand your dog better, or just want to know a little more about Canine Communication, do give me a call – I'd love to talk to you.
I offer dog training in Maidstone, Whitstable, Aylesford, Sevenoaks, Broadstairs and across Kent. Why not get in-touch?