Puppy Barking is Puppy Communication
April 30th, 2009 — 05:31 amPuppy barking is totally normal for dogs. Be prepared for puppy barking, whining and howling when you bring them home as it is what they do! If you own a dog, you realize that it is inevitable that there will be times when your dog will bark, whine and howl. It would be totally impossible and unfair to wish to train your puppy to stop barking at all. It is best for all, including your dog, if the barking can be controlled.
Here are the Reasons for Why Barking Begins
Dogs that do not get a lot of socializing or that are spending most of their time alone need something to do to spend all that saved up energy. A dog who is alone all day is more likely to take up barking as a hobby because there is nobody to control him and make him stop. Pretty soon, barking will become an enjoyable habit for him or her. Many dogs, once they start barking, do it because they think it’s fun and enjoyable.
Unintentionally, you may have trained your dog to bark excessively. When your dog speaks, you go up and obey. They bark and you let them out. Then they bark and you let them in. If he barks, he gets his tummy rubbed; therefore, barking is a behavior that is rewarded. A puppy gets attention from you by barking. For this reason, it is easy for barking to become a habit. After all, the puppy wants your attention, and if he barks, he gets your attention. And sometimes, it is very easy to forget to provide positive reinforcement such as praises and treats for your dog when they are not barking.
Puppy Barking and Exercises
If you want to reduce the amount your puppy barks and give yourself, your household, and your neighbors a little peace, it is important that you understand why your puppy barks. Usually a puppy will bark because it is afraid, bored, lonely, or frustrated. These entire situations can be eased and improved when you spend more time with your puppy. While you are away, a puppy will generally spend most of the day sleeping as long as it is content and well-exercised. Try to take the time to give your puppy exercise, playtime, and proper training.
Puppy obedience training is as tiresome a mental exercise for dogs as it is for humans. Most puppies and dogs enjoy, wild rapid paced and exciting games such as “come here,” “sit,” “stay,” “heel,” but you can make it more rewarding by saying come here for a hug, a massage and other praise and treats. Try to think of new training ideas for your puppy so it won’t get bored.
Dogs that live in a backyard also need some socializing time. Puppy barking will lessen if you walk them around your neighborhood. Puppies find daily walks an adventure because of all the exciting sounds and smells they can investigate when they are outdoors. Dogs and puppies will run around outside and have fun, but this is not necessarily exercise. What they are doing is equivalent to the human’s pacing and fidgeting as well as other nervous activities. Be sure your dog or puppy has something to do to keep busy. Puppies love to have chew toys for puppy biting, and big dogs enjoy a digging pit.
Dogs, like humans, are naturally social animals. Dogs are much like their human owners in that they enjoy companionship. Take your dog to a dog park daily or weekly and let them mingle with the other dogs. Romping, playing, and dog training together all day will tire them out easily and will help them sleep happily while recovering from the hard play and great exercise session.
