To Bark Or Not To Bark? That Is The Question

Article Title: To Bark Or Not To Bark? That Is The Question
Author: Kay Stevens

Why don't we want a dog to bark?

Why does a dog bark?

We don't want a dog to bark because it is NOISE and we humans
don't like noise unless we are the ones making it. With other
noise (barking) we find it irritating, stressful, intrusive,
painful and just downright annoying. Therefore, we are
protecting our own comfort zone.

What about the dog's comfort zone?

So, why does a dog bark?

A dog will bark for the same reason a baby cries - he is trying
to tell us something. Try putting yourself in the following
situations:

1. You're uneducated. You don't know right from wrong, get
bored, get aggressive. You YELL from sheer frustration.

An untrained dog will bark.

Train your dog. When he is barking continuously, go to him and
say sharply 'NO'. When he stops barking reward him with a treat.
Keep doing this and after a while he will know that it is wrong,
he is upsetting you and he will get a treat for stopping. Also,
give your dog plenty of attention and exercise.

2. You're alone. Someone's walking by. You yell out "How're
going?"

When your dog sees a person or another dog walking past,
couldn't he be asking this question?

When you leave your dog by himself, ensure he has toys to
occupy him. Treat balls are great. Leave an article of your
clothing with him so he has your scent. Leave the radio on. As a
pup, leave him alone for short periods so he gets used to it.

3. You feel sick. You whinge. Sometimes your dog would bark.

Ensure your dog has regular vet checkups and vaccinations.

4. You're hungry and thirsty. Wouldn't you make a NOISE and
bark?

Make sure your dog has a good, sensible diet and fresh water.

5. You are chained to a fence, locked in a small room or being
abused. How would you like that? You would scream for help.

If outside, use a tether stake, if inside, use a dog pen in a
decent area. Use only in extreme circumstances.

6. You are provoked by someone. Wouldn't you retaliate by
yelling? Your dog would bark.

Don't allow anyone to tease your dog. Keep him away from
untrained, aggressive dogs.

Some dogs will bark continuously no matter what you have done
to curb it. It is built into their personality. If this is the
case with your dog, there are various products available to curb
incessant barking.

These products are electronic bark collars, citronella bark
collars, sound emitting collars, remote sound emitters, muzzles
and medication.

Please remember that your dog is protecting his territory and
yours. His immediate response is to bark if he feels that this
could be violated. Therefore, barking is good but excessive
barking needs to be curbed.

My last question is:

Would you rather have an expensive alarm system or a barking
dog to warn you of danger?

About The Author: Kay Stevens is the publisher of
http://www.corgidogworld.com a site dedicated to giving
information about the Corgi breed of dog. My articles are
relevant to all breeds of dogs. The site also offers a
comprehensive range of quality products for your dog.

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