When you are constantly hearing a barking
dog, listen to the type of bark. This will tell you what the dog is trying
to communicate to you. Dogs bark for various reasons and before you take
steps to stop the barking you need to determine why the dog is barking so
much. If the dog is confined to a kennel or a backyard for long periods of
time, it may be barking to get your attention and to let you know that it
is still there. The dog may be lonely or bored or wants to go for a run.
If the dog does not get enough exercise, they tend to bark a lot just to
relieve the tension and for something to do.



When you hear a barking dog, listen for a rhythmic repetition of barks.
This is one sign of a bored and lonely dog.
If the dog does not get enough
exercise it will bark in order to release built up tension. There are also
dogs that are very sensitive to the environment and when they are out
doors they will bark at every little sound. It may be a good idea to keep
a dog that does this inside at night, rather than keeping it outside in
the doghouse. Barking can also be the result of training. An owner that
always responds to a dog’s bark is inadvertently teaching the dog to bark
when it wants attention. Sometimes is better to start ignoring the dog in
an effort to retrain it, but this is easier said than done.



When your are trying to retrain a barking dog, listen to the number of
barks in each session and start by trying to reduce the number. You also
need to eliminate situations or objects that trigger the dog’s barking and
increase the length of time between barking sessions. You will not be
able, not should you expect, to eliminate the barking all together because
barking is essential to the dog’s overall health.