Puppies Barking
How To Deal With Puppies Barking
Puppies barking may not seem like much of a bother at first, in fact can be a rather happy sound. Eventually though, it can get to be a bit much, especially if there is more than one puppy and a lot of barking. Even if you don't mind puppies barking, puppies have a tendency to grow up, and when doing so their voice usually changes. A small dog that continually yips and yaps can be a nuisance, while a large dog that won't stop barking can result in the neighbors calling the police.
Why do puppies bark? There are probably as many reasons as there are puppies, or so it would seem. Some breeds bark more than others. Some breeds are just natural barkers. Most breeds are not however, and even those breeds, collies for instance, that tend to bark a lot, need to be taught at an early age that there are times when barking is not acceptable.
Reasons For Barking - Reasons for puppies barking can be based excitement, fear, boredom, or just to get attention. Training a puppy at an early age is one way to nip barking problems in the bud. Attending an obedience school is excellent as it allows the puppy to socialize with other dogs and other people. Even if you want your puppy to grow into a watchdog that will bark in the presence of strangers, you still need to train it not to bark, especially when you are nearby, or it is in the company of dogs or people with whom it feels safe.
Puppies often bark at strange noises. This situation can be dealt with by introducing the puppy to new noises when possible, and indicating, simply by being calm and relaxed, that the noises pose no danger. Puppies often fear unknown things, and the more of these unknowns you can eliminate, through experience, the less compulsion the puppy will have to set up a ruckus.
Pathologic Barking - If your puppy seems bent on becoming a perpetual barker, you may have to seek outside help, either by seeing a professional trainer or a veterinarian. This is usually the best approach if the puppy is exhibiting what is known as pathologic barking, barking at anything and everything. In some cases an animal behaviorist may have to be called in to determine how best to cure the puppy of what actually is an abnormal condition. Sometimes medication can be useful in dealing with puppies barking, at least enough to the point where they will better respond to training. Whether barking is pathologic or not, it is always wise to try and avoid doing things that will tend to excite the puppy. If you excite the puppy or puppies, you'll find yourself working at cross-purposes. A barking collar may be necessary in some cases, and are most often quite effective, making it unpleasant for a dog or puppy to bark, without actually harming or scaring the animal.
Teach “Enough” - One approach worth trying is to teach the puppy the meaning of the word "Enough", when you want it to stop barking. This voice command may initially have to be reinforced by hold the puppy's muzzle shut. Eventually the puppy will come to realize what is being requested. At this point, giving a small reward, whether it is a treat or a pat on the head is highly recommended.
It may not always be possible to tell if a puppy is going to present you with a barking problem when you first set eyes on it. Most puppies, when they reach a certain age, probably around a month or so, are going to make a barking or yipping noise when greeting someone or meeting someone new. This is the time to begin to refrain from any actions that will make the puppy even more excited, but do those things what will tend to calm it down instead.