Why Do Dogs Bark - What Fido Is Trying To Tell You

Why do dogs bark is probably the most asked question by dog owners of all times

. Firstly you have to bear in mind that Fido can only speak with you by barking. He can't come over to you and gently say how about we go out for a walk or hey I'm hungry when can I eat. On the other side of the coin we as owners would be very happy if our dogs were always quiet except when danger approached. But if this is what you want then why not just get a robot who moves around the house announcing Danger, danger Will Robinson when appropriate. OK in all seriousness that is not why we have dogs and we all know it. Let's get back on point.

The actual reason our dogs bark is because it is the only method they can talk with people they care about. Bear in mind Fido has a voice but all he can do is bark and bark he shall. A lot of the reasons dogs bark depends on the breed and how they are raised. What is their purpose in life. Guard dogs like German Shepherds use their voice to help their masters for a common objective. German Shepherds raised to be police dogs is a good example of this.

Sporting dogs like Beagles and Bloodhounds are taught to "bay" when they get the smell of their quarry. Besides barking for a trained purpose other frequent reason dogs bark are:

*Boredom- Fido is a social animal and wants company of other dogs and people. If he is left alone all day Fido will be lonely and bored and then he will get into trouble. As soon as you get home he is going to bark up a storm because he wants your attention.

*Hunger- Fido knows when it is time to eat and needs to be on a normal feeding basis. Barking is a way he tells you it's time to eat.

*Danger- You dog will bark if he feels something is wrong or someone is approaching the house. This is the greatest thing about your dogs barking. Your own private alarm system.

*Playtime- Fido will always let you know when he wants to play. No doubt about it.

*Bathroom Break- If you have correctly trained Fido and this is the most important teaching, he will bark to let you know he has to do his business. The worst thing is to have a quiet dog who just goes around and ruins your home due to lack of house breaking.

The above reasons for barking are simple to fix- a speedy action on your part and peace in the house is once again restored. But what about the other reasons that are harder to remedy. A number of dogs bark because they want to get your attention or they want to show who is the dominate being. It is your job to teach your dog to recognize where on the totem pole he is located. Dogs want to the alpha dog or alpha being and if they can get their way by barking at you they will do it every time.

You must show them that they can not bully you into doing what they want just because they think they want something. They have got to be trained to respect you as the master and understand they they are not the boss. Often times it is necessary to use hand signals to control Fido. Now we are not talking about hitting your dog.

One method of control is to lift your hand outright and say "NO" firmly. This often is sufficient to show Fido who is in charge. Another method is to gently hold Fido's snout closed until he submits to you. Again use the verbal command "NO" while doing this. Once he submits and behaves then praise him for being a good boy.

by: Ernie Sharpe

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