The 5 Main Reasons YOUR Dog Barks...

Barking is a normal dog behavior. Your dog is trying to communicate with you! Below are the 5 main reasons why dogs bark. A Positive Reinforcement Trainer can help with Reasons 1, 2, and 3. Reasons 4 and 5 may require the advice of a Certified Animal Behaviorist or Veterinary Behaviorist

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1. Excitement Barking: You dog barks when s/he is excited, like when you come home, see a visitor, or dog friend, or during play with people/dogs/other animals. S/he may also bark at things s/he likes or for no obvious reason.

2. Demand Barking: Demand Barking occurs when your dog wants something, like a walk, or chance to chase a ball/stick, or a treat. S/he may also bark to get your attention when s/he's frustrated, especially during training if you have let him/her fail too many times.

3. Alert Barking: Your dog barks to warn of strangers, unusual noises, or other animals. While some alert barking is helpful, it becomes a problem if your dog barks excessively at minor things; or if s/he doesn't stop when asked.

4. Fear Barking: You dog may bark out of fear or surprise, especially when s/he encounters something novel, like a new sound, or and unfamiliar object. Persistent fear barking should be addressed with a certified animal behaviorist.

5. Separation Barking: Dogs often bark when alone or bored, which can be the result of any above reason; OR it could be due to separation anxiety, which that requires the help of a certified Separation Anxiety Trainer.

Never, never, never punish your dog for barking...it will only make the situation worse. Best case scenario: you will reinforce the barking by giving attention. Worse case scenario, you will increase your dog's stress to the point where s/he may bite.

Try to figure out why s/he's barking...remove the trigger, or train an alternative behavior in response to the trigger, or desensitize her/him to the trigger! Ask Dr. Caryn for individual advice via a free 20-minute phone consult. Just call or text (540) 287-8207 to schedule a time.