Tips to Help Solve the Three Most Common Dog Barking Complaints

Many dog owners find themselves frustrated, deeply concerned and even embarrassed by their dog's constant barking. Currently, there are approximately 63 million dogs owned by 44 million Americans. And just over one third of those owners complain of excessive barking.

Allowing your dog to bark excessively can be hazardous to it's safety. I should know, I lost my dog because of it. I found out that excessive barking is one of the major reasons that people end up losing their dog. It's a problem that nobody likes to talk about or admit to.

Here are some practical solutions to three of the most common dog barking complaints.

Complaint # One: Your dog barks for more than 15 minutes continuously, or off and on for more than half an hour - especially after you leave the house. Better known as separation anxiety.

Solution: Even the Queen of Talk herself, Oprah Winfrey suffered from this problem. The key is to not make a big deal when you are leaving the house. Many people feel guilty and start apologizing to their pooch when they have to leave it alone. Don't! That negative energy will affect your dog. Your dog can feel your stress and will play into it, causing nervous barking. How you react will dictate how your pup reacts. Leave calmly without exciting your dog. Better yet, do something to preoccupy your dog so she's not focused on you when you are about to leave.

Complaint # Two: Outside sounds cause your dog to bark for long periods of time.

Solution: You need to do something to block out those noises. You may want to consider putting your dog in a room as far away from the main street as possible and don't let him have free reign of the house. And while he's in there, try turning on a radio (preferably classical music or a soft style of music) to calm your dog. It's really true that music soothes the savage beast.

Complaint # Three: Your dog constantly barks, whines or whimpers due to stress or anxiety or for any reason at all.

Solution: This can be a tough one for most people but, DO NOT give your dog attention when it's behaving like this. Too many people unwittingly contribute to this particular problem by picking up their dog or going to him when he starts to bark or whine. Your dog is learning that in order to get attention from you, barking and whining is the way to do it. He's controlling you. And by you picking him up or giving in to him in some way, you're reinforcing that. Remember, YOU are the boss, not your dog. The way to break your dog of that habit is to ignore the unwanted behavior and only praise your dog when it is not barking. Then he'll get the message that he only gets what he wants (attention or affection) when he gives you what you want (a calm quiet dog).

No dog owner should suffer the guilt, pain or embarrassment of having a dog that barks constantly. Finally, dog owners can safely leave Fido alone knowing he's happy and quiet. And no more worrying about dirty looks from the neighbors. All it takes is knowing the proper way to deal with the behavior.

About the Author:
Cynthia Alexander is a former dog trainer and author of the electronic book "The Ultimate Guide to Stop Your Dog from Barking?FAST." Ms. Alexander gives many detailed answers to all kinds of nuisance barking problems, including separation anxiety. It is available via immediate download for $29.97 at http://www.stopyourbarking.com - A must have for anyone dealing with excessive barking.

---

Golden Moments and Dog Training

Let me introduce my dogs. I have 3, Nikki and... Read More

Animals Are Forever

Throughout the course of my life, I've encountered my own... Read More

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)

What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a... Read More

Dogs Are Mans Best Friend

Dogs are believed to be descendants of wild wolves. They... Read More

Why Cats Flip For Catnip

If you've ever watched as a cat "flipped" over fresh... Read More

The One-Minute Horse Training Manager

If your life is so busy you literally only have... Read More

Train Your Buddy To ?Walk? & ?Dance? - Warning: Not All Dogs Can Do It!

Standing and walking on the hind legs are tricks that... Read More

Is Nail Trimming Time A Battle?

Does the idea of trimming your dog's nails send chills... Read More

Are You Listening To Your Cat Talking?

Is your cat talking to you?Many cat lovers claim that... Read More

The Basics of Dog Obedience Training for Your New Pet

Dog obedience training starts even before you get your puppy... Read More

Secrets of Kitty Body Language

Kittens communicate in a very distinct way. Did you know... Read More

Kittens Are Just The Cutest Things

Is there anything more cute and cuddly than tiny little... Read More

Does Your Bichon Frise Eat His Own Poop?

Hi,I'm Janet CombsMy mother bred and raised Bichon Frises for... Read More

Clown Loaches

Scientific Name: Botia macracanthus Other Scientific Name(s): Cobitis macracanthus, Botia... Read More

Indoor Dogfishing ? Fun Way To Exercise A Small Or Medium Size Dog

When I had a Toy Poodle, I used a small... Read More

Decorating for The Cat Owner - How to Protect Your Possessions

The first thing a cat owner should know about home... Read More

Tips for Introducing Two Cats

Adding a new member to your feline family is usually... Read More

Distemper in Dogs - Home Detection Tips

Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it's Too LateCanine distemper... Read More

Canine Parvovirus

Canine Parvovirus, is a viral disease that attacks dogs and... Read More

7 Good Reasons for Playing With Your Cat

Playing reinforces the bond between you and your cat.Playing with... Read More

Does The World Need More Cats?

Aren't they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing... Read More

The Humble Hamster: A Great First Pet for Your Child

Thinking of getting a pet for your little ones? How... Read More

West Highland White Terrier - Westies - Training Success Tips

The West Highland Terrier is a friendly dog, and is... Read More

Cat Lover Gifts

Among the most well known cat lover gifts are photo... Read More

How to Buy a Purebred Dog

If you decide you want a purebred, make sure it's... Read More

Three Important Safety Products for Your Dog this Summer

Keeping your dog safe is similar to keeping a child... Read More

Dog Behavior Problems: Help! My Dog is a Nuisance When he Misbehaves!

How many times have I hear fellow dog owners say,... Read More

Did You Know?

German Shepherds were among the first dogs trained for police... Read More

A Guide to Antique Bird Cages

It has been said that everything old is new again.... Read More

Boston Terrier - The Costs Of Owning A Boston Terrier

Having a dog is a little like having a baby.... Read More

Is your Dog Malnourished?

Americans are more concerned about health than ever before, so... Read More

Cats Make Great Pets If You Understand Them

Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover.... Read More

Animal Behavior: What is My Dog Saying?

Dogs are quite amiable creatures. Much like our human counterparts,... Read More