My Dog, Barks, Barks and Barks!

My Dog, Barks, Barks and Barks! By: Mariel Calderón Álvarez It's normal for a dog to make noise when someone passes in front of the house, while playing or when it feels threatened, but when a dog barks in excess, it can drive us and our neighbors barking mad! Here are come of the reasons why dogs bark excessively: -Boredom: When dogs don't get enough excercise or attention, they channel their energies in other ways, either by biting, trying to escape or barking. -Lack of routine: as animals that strive on routine, dogs await their food and walks at specific hours each day. If your dog recently stared barking excessively, it's likely that there has been a change in your routine at home. Perhaps you started a new job or have a new family member. -Instinct: There are breeds of dogs that bark more that other. For example, some herding dogs such as Shetland Sheepdogs and some small dogs such as Maltese tend to be more vocal that others. Habit: Many times guardians unwittingly train their dog to bark. Whenever the dog barks we pet him. This is cute when they are puppies but when it comes to and adult dog, it ceases to be amusing. Possible solutions: -Exercise: It is advisable to walk your dog every day several times a day times a day and practice basic obedience exercises during this time. You should also make time to play with him every day. Throw a ball or a favorite toy around or take him for a swim. -Routine: Evaluate your personal situation and your pet's needs, and establish a routine that you can adhere to always. -Training: Every time your dog barks too much divert his attention by asking him to sit or lie down. Praise him when he has stopped barking. Remember, if your dog barks don't yell, it will only aggravate the situation. Ask a dog trainer to help you resolve this problem. Revista: Pet Id