Tips to Help Solve the Three Most Common Dog Barking Complaints


Many dog owners find themselves frustrated, deeply concerned and even embarrassed by their dog's constant barking. Currently, there are approximately 63 million dogs owned by 44 million Americans. And just over one third of those owners complain of excessive barking.

Allowing your dog to bark excessively can be hazardous to it's safety. I should know, I lost my dog because of it. I found out that excessive barking is one of the major reasons that people end up losing their dog. It's a problem that nobody likes to talk about or admit to.

Here are some practical solutions to three of the most common dog barking complaints.

Complaint # One: Your dog barks for more than 15 minutes continuously, or off and on for more than half an hour - especially after you leave the house. Better known as separation anxiety.

Solution: Even the Queen of Talk herself, Oprah Winfrey suffered from this problem. The key is to not make a big deal when you are leaving the house. Many people feel guilty and start apologizing to their pooch when they have to leave it alone. Don't! That negative energy will affect your dog. Your dog can feel your stress and will play into it, causing nervous barking. How you react will dictate how your pup reacts. Leave calmly without exciting your dog. Better yet, do something to preoccupy your dog so she's not focused on you when you are about to leave.

Complaint # Two: Outside sounds cause your dog to bark for long periods of time.

Solution: You need to do something to block out those noises. You may want to consider putting your dog in a room as far away from the main street as possible and don't let him have free reign of the house. And while he's in there, try turning on a radio (preferably classical music or a soft style of music) to calm your dog. It's really true that music soothes the savage beast.

Complaint # Three: Your dog constantly barks, whines or whimpers due to stress or anxiety or for any reason at all.

Solution: This can be a tough one for most people but, DO NOT give your dog attention when it's behaving like this. Too many people unwittingly contribute to this particular problem by picking up their dog or going to him when he starts to bark or whine. Your dog is learning that in order to get attention from you, barking and whining is the way to do it. He's controlling you. And by you picking him up or giving in to him in some way, you're reinforcing that. Remember, YOU are the boss, not your dog. The way to break your dog of that habit is to ignore the unwanted behavior and only praise your dog when it is not barking. Then he'll get the message that he only gets what he wants (attention or affection) when he gives you what you want (a calm quiet dog).

No dog owner should suffer the guilt, pain or embarrassment of having a dog that barks constantly. Finally, dog owners can safely leave Fido alone knowing he's happy and quiet. And no more worrying about dirty looks from the neighbors. All it takes is knowing the proper way to deal with the behavior.

About the Author:
Cynthia Alexander is a former dog trainer and author of the electronic book "The Ultimate Guide to Stop Your Dog from Barking?FAST." Ms. Alexander gives many detailed answers to all kinds of nuisance barking problems, including separation anxiety. It is available via immediate download for $29.97 at http://www.stopyourbarking.com - A must have for anyone dealing with excessive barking.







Related News



Hyper Dogs Make Bad Pets, Great Life-Savers - CBS 5

Hyper Dogs Make Bad Pets, Great Life-Savers
CBS 5, CA -16 hours ago
"They make terrible pets," said Marin County Fire Capt. Jim Boggeri. East Bay SPCA Shelter Supervisor Lenny Deets adds: "Rambunctious, high-energy escape ...
Unwanted Bay Area Dogs Become Life SaversCBS 5
all 2 news articles

Pet Health Care - Washington Post

Pet Health Care
Washington Post, United States -6 hours ago
I make my own birthday the anniversary of my pets' annual health-care visit. It gives me peace of mind to know that everyone is caught up on all of the ...

Families must choose between pets and homes - Calgary Herald

Families must choose between pets and homes
Calgary Herald,  Canada -4 hours ago
That family was forced to give Friday up to the shelter because they could not finding housing that allows pets -- an increasingly common scenario in ...
Hard times trigger more pet abandonmentsMLive.com
all 2 news articles

Social Release: PetSmart(R) Offers Top Costumes, Toys and ... - MarketWatch

Social Release: PetSmart(R) Offers Top Costumes, Toys and ...
MarketWatch -14 hours ago
PetSmart Dog Fashion Expert Rashell Cooper says, "Pets are members of the family, and just like kids, they'll sport the latest trends in costumes this ...

Missouri Humane Society rescues pets in Indiana - Jefferson City News Tribune

Missouri Humane Society rescues pets in Indiana
Jefferson City News Tribune, MO -5 hours ago
ST. LOUIS (AP) - The Missouri Humane Society is rescuing a menagerie of animals, this time in Indiana. The Missouri Humane Society said Thursday it has ...
How much is that doggie?St. Joseph News-Press
all 2 news articles

Tough Times: No Reason To Abandon Or Neglect Your Pet - Hartford Courant

Tough Times: No Reason To Abandon Or Neglect Your Pet
Hartford Courant, United States -6 hours ago
By WILLIAM HAGEMAN | Chicago Tribune CHICAGO - The trend of pets being shooed out the front door or abandoned in forest preserves has put animal welfare ...
Pet of the Week: BusterTampa Bay's 10
all 2 news articles


Community's pets receive a blessing - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Community's pets receive a blessing
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, FL -7 hours ago
CORRESPONDENT PHOTOS / CHRIS MIKULA Pets and their owners gather for the Blessing of the Animals ceremony Sept. 4 at Living Lord Lutheran Church in East ...
Church celebrates blessing of the petsMarco Island Sun Times
Beach church hosts pet blessingMiamiHerald.com
all 3 news articles

Pets: Obedience the key for country walks - Edinburgh Evening News

Pets: Obedience the key for country walks
Edinburgh Evening News, UK -1 hour ago
But owners must be aware of the hazards of the country – dangers which could cause much pain and discomfort to their pet. First on the list are parasites, ...

Students Helping Homeless and their Pets - KGET 17

Students Helping Homeless and their Pets
KGET 17, CA -10 hours ago
They also collected items for their pets, including dog treats and flea spray. "The students get to think about someone else other than themselves and they ...
Tracing Tracy TerritoryTracy Press
all 2 news articles

Longer Living, Healthier Pets Boost the $5 Billion Market for Pet ... - MarketWatch

Longer Living, Healthier Pets Boost the $5 Billion Market for Pet...
MarketWatch -22 hours ago
NEW YORK, NY, Oct 10, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- At the center of robust global animal health product growth, the US market for pet medications is ...
Longer Living, Healthier Pets Boost the $5 Billion Market for Pet...International Business Times
all 15 news articles