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.