Home & Yard Handbook

Barking is natural communication for dogs.  When it becomes excessive, barking problems turn into people problems!  They make common sounds of barking, howling, growling, whining, grunting, yelping and a huffing noise akin to laughing!  Each communicates a different meaning.

Common Reasons Dogs Bark:

•  Elimination Barking: Spot needs to go to the bathroom!
•  Social Barking: It’s playtime!
•  Alarm or Territorial Barking: This warns of strangers or intruders!
•  Separation Anxiety Barking: In this dysfunctional behavior, dogs bark due to anxiety, panic or fear about being left alone!
•  Attention-Seeing Barking: Fido wants social interaction with you!
•  Resource Demanding Barking: Bella wants food, water, or treats!
•  Sympathetic Barking:  Buddy hears another dog barking and is saying “hello” or “Hey! I’m over here!”
•  Compulsive Barking: When the original problem is gone, the dog keeps barking in a rhythm.  Now barking is a nervous habit!
•  Noise-induced barking: Construction sounds, loud music, a vacuum cleaner or other loud noises may send your pooch into a barking frenzy!

How can you correct your noisy friend?

First ask, “why is my dog barking?”  The cause will lead you to appropriate solutions.  Consider a 5-bark rule.  After five barks, your dog should be quiet.  Don’t yell at a barking dog!  He may think you are joining in!  Punishment can create a fearful or anxious dog without even teaching silence.  Be sure to give him praise or another reward after three seconds of silence!

For more solutions on how to stop your furry friend from barking, whether it’s just during certain times of the day, or different spots in the yard, call your local behavior specialist at Invisible Fence® Brand at 585-271-1700.  Or, log onto www.invisiblefence.com!  

Kate Siwik is the Director of Sales & Marketing of Invisible Fence® Brand of Upstate NY—National Dealer of the Year in 2006, 2007 and 2008.  Her dog, Princess, was adopted from Lollypop Farm in 2007.  Contact Kate at 271-1700 or email her UpstateNY@invisiblefence.com.