Addressing Common Barking Behavioural Issues in Dogs

Owning a dog brings immense joy and companionship, but it also comes with its set of challenges, particularly when it comes to behavioural issues. Understanding and addressing these problems effectively is crucial for maintaining a harmonious relationship with your furry friend. In this blog post, we will explore some common behavioural issues in dogs and provide practical solutions to address them.

Table of Contents

1. Excessive Barking and Destructive Behaviour
2. Separation Anxiety
3. Aggression
4. House Soiling
5. Linking to Helpful Products

Excessive Barking and Destructive Behaviour

Right off the bat, we're addressing one of the more difficult behaviours in dogs. Excessive barking can truly be one of the most challenging behavioural issues for us to address due to a variety of reasons - not being present while the dog is barking, the sporadicity of the barking itself, and when a dog is over its threshold, this adds a whole new difficulty level. Understanding the underlying causes of your dog's barking is crucial for finding effective solutions.

So let's discuss some of the reasons why your dog may be performing unwarranted barking...

Boredom

Signs of Boredom-Related Barking

‍Dogs are intelligent and active animals that require both physical and mental stimulation. When they do not receive enough exercise or mental engagement, they can become bored just as we can. This boredom often manifests as excessive barking or destructive behaviours, as dogs try to alleviate their restlessness and attract attention. Boredom barking becomes evident when a dog barks at random times with no apparent trigger, if they pace during their episodes, or destructive behaviours, like chewing on furniture or endless digging.

Solutions for Boredom Barking

‍You may consider incorporating one or all of the following techniques to deal with your dog's barking...

1. Increase Physical Exercise: Ensure your dog gets regular walks, runs, or playtime. A tired dog is less likely to bark out of boredom.
2. Mental Stimulation: Provide interactive toys, and puzzle feeders, and engage in training sessions to keep your dog’s mind active. You can see some of our recommendations here.
3. Social Interaction: Spend quality time with your dog, playing games or simply being together. Dogs are social animals and need companionship.

Anxiety or Fear

Again, this is a difficult type of barking to deal with because it often happens when we're not at home to handle the situation. Anxiety and fear can be significant triggers for excessive barking. Dogs may bark when they are scared or anxious as a way to express their discomfort. This type of barking is often seen in response to specific triggers, such as loud noises, unfamiliar people, or separation from their owner.

Signs of Anxiety or Fear-Related Barking

• Barking is accompanied by other signs of stress, such as panting, trembling, or hiding.
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• Excessive barking when left alone.
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• Barking at specific triggers (like fireworks or strangers).
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Solutions for Anxiety or Fear-Based Barking

1. Identify and Reduce Triggers: Try to identify what is causing your dog’s anxiety or fear and minimise their exposure to these triggers.
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2. Desensitisation and Counter-Conditioning: Gradually expose your dog to the trigger in a controlled way, pairing the exposure with positive experiences like treats or play.
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3. Calming Aids: Products like calming collars, anxiety wraps, and natural supplements can help reduce anxiety. Consider using the ThunderShirt Classic Dog Anxiety Jacket for dogs with severe anxiety.

Territorial Behaviour

What is Territorial Barking Behaviour in Dogs?

Dogs are naturally territorial animals and I'm sure we've all owned a dog that barks at the unfortunate postman trying to deliver mail at your front door. Despite it being annoying, dogs may bark excessively to alert their owners to perceived intruders or to protect their home and family - they're trying to do a job. This type of barking is often directed at people or animals outside the home and can be triggered by passing pedestrians, postmen, or other dogs.

Solutions for Territorial Barking

1. Manage the Environment: This is a simple one, but you can limit your dog’s view of outside stimuli that trigger barking, such as closing curtains or using frosted window film.
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2. Training and Socialisation: Teach your dog commands like “quiet” or “enough” and reward them for stopping barking on command. This is a longer process than managing the dog's environment. Socialising your dog with different people and environments can also reduce territorial behaviour, but please exhibit care if your dog is wary of strangers.
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3. Create Positive Associations: This is how we manage territorial barking with our dogs. Help your dog associate visitors or passersby with positive experiences. Give treats or play with your dog when they are calm around these triggers and make the moment fun and exciting, rather than allowing your dog to think that a stranger is attempting to burgle your home.

Attention-Seeking

This one always makes me giggle, because our St. Bernard (who is a notoriously bad barker on the worst of days), is a huge attention-seeker. I love giving her attention and unfortunately, dogs quickly learn that barking can be an effective way to get attention from their owners. Whether they want to play, go outside, or simply receive some affection, barking can become a go-to strategy if it has worked in the past.

Solutions for Attention-Seeking

1. Ignore the Barking: This is a difficult one because barking can sometimes go straight through our heads. Do not give your dog attention when they are barking for it. Wait until they are quiet before responding to them and reward calm behaviour.
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2. Reward Quiet Behaviour: As mentioned above, give attention, treats, or playtime when your dog is quiet to reinforce that being calm and quiet is the way to get what they want.
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3. Structured Interactions: Set aside some time for interactive play and attention so that your dog knows they will have your focus and does not think that they need to bark for it.

While there are so many types of barking for a dog, by understanding the root causes of the excessive barking, we can tailor our approach to address the specific triggers and behaviours. Consistent training, environmental management and the appropriate tools can significantly reduce and manage unwarranted barking, leading to a calmer and more serene household. Also, consider adding Interactive toys like the KONG Classic Dog Toy that can keep your dog engaged. You should also make sure your dog gets plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation.

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