Barking Behavior – Is your dog normal?

You hear the yelps and then the barks. How do you know if your dog’s barks are normal? Is it a bark of fear? Hunger? Frustration? First of all, you’ll need to be observant to figure out when your dog barks and the duration of the barks in order to figure out the cause of the barks in the first place. Is it normal barking behavior or an outcry for help? That’s for you, the owner, to jump in.

One particular challenge is when you and your family is not at home and your dog barks, some experts recommend having a tape recorder or video camera in the house when you’re not there. However, on weekends you may be able to uncover the problem in general since it’s likely you’ll be home then.

If your dog is barking extensively, he may be lonely or seeking attention. For instance, if he doesn’t have many playmates or toys and he’s left alone for long periods of time, his barking may be a normal outreach for love and affection.

If he’s a puppy or under three years old in general and doesn’t have any interaction, he may be frustrated. Alternatively, your dog may be particularly active and may need a specific task to be happy; the barking may be a yelp for additional activity.
If the abovementioned descriptions fit your dog, you can assist in making his world more fulfilled which will hopefully decrease the barking, thereby concluding your dog’s barking behavior is normal.

Walk your dog daily. Not only is it good for you and your dog, it’s a mental release as well and will promote affection between you and your pooch.
Teach your dog to fetch a ball or Frisbee and practice together.
Teach your dog a few commands and practice them every day for ten minutes. This will promote togetherness as well as you realize the barking behavior is normal.
Get interesting toys to keep your dog preoccupied and happy when you’re not home, such as busy-box toys. Rotate the toys as well! In other words, keep reintroducing various toys each day of the week on a rotating schedule.
If your dog barks to get your attention, simply stated: spend more time with your dog! Whether it’s petting, grooming, playing or exercising, the barking should not be an outreach to get a little TLC.
If the barking has become disruptive in the neighborhood, let your neighbors know that you are working on the issue.
In addition, if it has become a problem, when you are not at home be sure that your dog is kept inside instead of outside.
If you’re going to be away for an extended period of time, take your dog to doggie day care or have a friend or neighbor walk and/or play with him.

At The Dog Bowl, nothing is more important than your pets’ health and well being. For more information about normal barking behavior, call us at 713-529-0334 or toll-free at 1-877-4RAW-DOG.