All Bark and No Bite

Dogs will bark, there is no surprise there. But how much are you willing to deal with? How much are your neighbors going to put up with? Here are some reasons why your dog might bark excessively:

• Being socially isolated for long periods of time can cause barking, simply to pass the time.
• Maybe you unintentionally trained your dog to bark. "Bark"....I get to come in; "Bark"....I get a belly rub, "Bark"....I get to go for a walk.
• Giving attention to the "wrong" behavior and never rewarding during the "right" behavior

All hope isn't lost if your dog engages in this type of behavior. There are ways to decrease the amount of barking. The main thing that can be done is to take your dog for walks. Give your canine the attention and exercise that they are searching for. An exercised dog = A happy dog! Just because you have a big yard for them to run in, doesn't mean that they are "exercised." Dogs will simply pace.

Do some obedience training. Stimulate your dog's mental abilities and get them to really work for it! Do upbeat and fun routines with them. Make the basic commands as part of a game. Make it exciting!

If you do need to leave your dog alone for long periods of time, leave them with a few toys that they can play with and chew on. Switch them up! Would you like to play with the same toys day in and day out?

Dogs love to be social. A good day at the park with another canine friend will do wonders for their pent-up energy.

Help your dog succeed. Let them know what you are asking of them. Take time with your dog to train and reward. One way to do this is to hold a treat in your hand and let them sniff at it for a few seconds as you are positively reinforcing "Good girl, stop barking, good girl!" They won't be barking at this point because they are focused on the treat. Give them the treat after a few seconds. When they bark again, you get them to stop by having them sniff at the treat in your hand. Prolong the amount of time that they wait to get the treat, all the while giving them praises. After a while, the words "stop barking" will have meaning to them. This is a long process, but it will work as long as you stay consistent, as is any type of positive training that you do.

You won't alleviate barking all-together, that's just silly! But I'm sure you and your neighbors will be so much happier....

Puppy Socializing...they need it too!

The first 16 weeks is considered to be the optimal socializing stage of a puppies development. This time is the most crucial when shaping future development, character and behavior. Socialization stimulates all five senses. It exposes and desensitizes them to the world around them. This conditions them to the many situations that your puppy needs to be comfortable around and also prepares them to deal with new experiences that may arise. Not only is it important for your puppy to become familiar with other people and dogs, but it is the most critical time to build a bond with your puppy that will last a lifetime!

Preventative measures:

• Your puppies character is forming during this critical period. You cannot go back and change it!
• Barking, Chewing, Separation Anxiety, Aggression, and many other undesirable behaviors can be averted simply by socialiazing!

A socialized puppy is more capable of learning and problem solving. Also, a dog that has not been socialized in the first 16 weeks is more likely to be euthanized as a result of bad behaviors. An unsocialized dog becomes an outcast to society, one that must be confined to the backyard because they can't be trusted. Socialization also guards from shyness and timidity from other dogs and people, resulting in less stress. Stress kills!

Socializing options:

• House training needs to happen immediately
• Love and cuddle and allow others to do so
• Teach basic commands
• Involve your puppy in daily happenings
• Have your puppy meet as many people as possible by 12 weeks of age
• Groom your dog
• Go places with your puppy that you expect you might take them when they are older
• New toys and play games
• Short car trips
• Dog parks (on a leash to prevent bad experiences)
• Take your puppy on walks to meet the dogs in the neighborhood

Just remember to have fun....I'm sure your puppy is enjoying every minute of it!