The SECRET language of BARKING

Common behaviour problems and their solutions

- Celia McCulla

We love dogs. That’s why we get them. We plan on sharing our homes and our love with them. As we share our lives with them, we discover that some behaviours can become a nuisance. Common behaviour problems are natural behaviours for our furry friends, such as jumping, barking, chewing, digging, etc. These natural behaviours become a problem when they start to cause a disturbance or become destructive or harmful. Luckily, dogs are quite clever and can be trained; therefore, many common behaviour problems can be resolved or improved. In this issue we’ll deal with barking.

Barking is one of the vocal communication methods used by dogs with humans, other dogs and the environment, and barking can mean different things. They use it to greet or to entice play, to warn offa potential trespasser, if they’re alarmed or feel threatened, or to seek attention. Barking can be easily facilitated by other dogs barking as well. Dogs can bark when they’re left alone or when they’re bored. In other words, they bark when they’re happy or when they’re unhappy. Certain breeds of dogs bark more than others. Those bred for hunting in packs, such as the Basset or Beagle, were bred to hunt and alert the hunters when they found prey. It can also be a learned behaviour if an owner unknowingly gives the dog attention when it barks.

Barking becomes a problem when it becomes incessant. Over time, owners become used to the sound of their dogs barking and therefore might not hear when their dogs’ barking becomes a nuisance until they’re approached by their neighbours or a body corporate.

UNDERSTANDING HOW TO DEAL WITH BARKING