Stop Barking Puppy!

Before I could fix the problem I needed to know the reason why Lily was barking.

First I had to try and understand why a dog barks in the first place. I found out that barking for a dog is the same as talking is to us. It is a form of communication.

However, as we all appreciate communication can break down usually due to one party not understanding the other.

This is what happens with dogs. In order for the dogs and humans to communicate there have to has to be a basic understanding of eachother.

For example if I met a foreigner and they started speaking to me in a language I was not familiar with I would not understand what they were trying to convey. It could be that they are lost and are asking directions or that they are wanting to know what the time was. I would only hear sounds that are meaningless. This situation only leads to frustration from both parties and nothing is gained.

So when I heard Lily barking I had no idea what she was trying to tell me. Also, I was using words that meant nothing to her and so the problem continued.

Until I had some lessons in the foreign language, and vice versa, only then the situation would be different. So I needed to give myself and 'Lily' some lessons.

I thought the best starting point was to try and understand the different types of barks. Here is a basic list of the reasons why your dog maybe barking.

Alert/warning barks.
These aggressive barks are low in pitch and can be combined with growls.
One of the main reasons that people have a dog is for protection and this type of bark maybe encouraged as owners want their dog to alert them of a suspicious stranger or the presence of a danger.
If an intruder is approaching the dog's domain the warning barks will become more rapid.

Self-identification barking.
You may be aware of a dog barking in the neighbourhood and your dog joining in. This is purely your dog informing the other where he is.

Attention-seeking barks.
This bark can be like a persistent yap that turns into a howl. Puppies most often use this type of bark. They are very similar to children and enjoy having attention focused on them. They learn to become very insistent and hard to ignore, because we tend to give in and give them what they want.

Play/excitement barks.
These barks are often short and sharp. These barks are common if the dog gets too excited with the game.

Startle barking.
This bark occurs in response to an unfamiliar or sudden sound or movement. As with an alert/warning bark, we need to be able to control this type of barking quickly.

Lonely/anxious barking.

This bark occurs if your dog is left alone during the day. He maybe experiencing separation anxiety. A vicious circle is set up and the barking can become self-reinforcing as he becomes more stimulated and anxious. The more upset your dog becomes his anxious barks tend to get more high pitch. This type of barking can be especially annoying to your neighbors.

After some thought, I finally decided that Lily was barking because she wanted attention. By my actions I had basically fed the problem by rewarding her barks with attention from me. ALL WRONG!!!

I needed to change my tactics. When Lily was in her pen and I was out of sight she would start up. It was really hard but I knew I had to stay out of sight and not give in to her. She carried on for 10 minutes and then was quiet. It was so awful as she sounded like she was breaking her heart. I knew that I had to be cruel to be kind for her benefit.

When she was quiet I then went in to see her and praised her. I then left the room again. She started again but this time it only lasted 2 minutes! Again when she was quiet I went in and praised her.

She is now quiet in her pen when alone, however, if she were to start up again I would then repeat the process.

This is only one lesson out of many that we both need to learn together so we get the best out of life.

I know that Lily is relying on me for her wellbeing and behaviour and I must not let her down.

I have found some very useful information and tips from this FREE Caring For Your Dog Newsletter it has some great offers to.

Best of luck with your puppy and dog and really enjoy them!

You are obviously a repsonsible pet owner, wanting to make sure you are doing the best for your dog.

Your dog is relying on you to give him the best care and attention and to make him into a perfectly behaved animal.

That is quite a task and not necessarily natural to us all. We all need information to ensure we do the job properly and not let our beloved dogs down.

We cannot blame the dogs for their bad behaviour. They cannot teach themselves and it is down to us to help them.

For lots of training information join this FREE Caring For Your Dog Newsletter
and good luck with your lovely dog.