Why Does Your Dog Bark?

Does your dog bark excessively?

As a dog owner, you expect your dog to bark every once in a while. A little barking is perfectly normal, but if your dog barks excessively, then it’s time to do something about it. Excessive barking can be frustrating, and it can even lead to complaints from your neighbors. However, before you start taking steps to correct your dog’s excessive barking, you need to understand what is causing it in the first place. That’s why our veterinarian in Levittown has come up with this list of the most common reasons why dogs bark:

#1. Your dog is protective or territorial. 

Wolves are incredibly territorial animals, and this trait has remained strong in dogs as well. Your dog most likely considers your yard and home to be his or her territory, and when an animal or a person comes into his or her territory, your dog barks to warn them away or to alert you, the pack leader, of the threat.

#2. Your dog is afraid. 

Dogs can get startled or scared just like people. When a dog gets startled by loud noise or specific objects, he or she may bark.

#3. Your dog is bored or lonely. 

Dogs fit into our lives and our families incredibly well, and one of the main reasons for this is that they are pack animals. If your dog is left alone in your home or  yard for a long period of time, he or she may bark to express loneliness or boredom.

Learn more when you stay tuned for our next blog.

If your dog barks excessively, you need to find out why.

Dogs bark for a variety of reasons, but it is understandable that a dog owner may want to discourage excessive barking. Excessive barking can be incredibly frustrating, and it can put a strain on your relationship with your neighbors. Before you can start trying to discourage your dog’s barking habits, you need to do a little research as to why he or she barks excessively. In our last blog, our veterinary clinic in North Merrick went over a few of the reasons why dogs bark. Keep reading to learn more:

#4. Your dog has separation anxiety. 

Excessive barking is a common sign of separation anxiety in a dog that is left alone. A few other signs of separation anxiety include depression, destructiveness, pacing and inappropriate elimination.

#5. Your dog is a compulsive barker. 

Believe it or not, some dogs are compulsive barkers. If your dog is a compulsive barker, he or she will bark excessively and repetitively, much like a broken record. Most dogs who are compulsive barkers also move in a repetitive way as well, such as pacing or running back and forth along a fence.

#6. Your dog wants something. 

Dogs have no way of telling us what they want, and they bark in order to get your attention. If your dog is barking at you, he or she may want to go on a walk, play outside or eat dinner.

Once you’ve figured out why your dog is barking excessively, you can take steps to address the problem. Stay tuned for our next blog to learn strategies for discouraging barking.