Got Barking Problems? How to Handle a Dog That Barks For Attention
By: Kelly Marshall
Submitted: 2008-08-11 12:51:09 | Word Count: 495
For any new dog owner, handling all of the incessant and noisy barking of a new pup can be extremely annoying to no end. Most new dog owners are not prepared for the amount of loud barking that young puppies start doing the as soon as they arrive in their new home. Although it is very natural, some dogs do not give their owners the luxury of calming down, especially during the evening.
One of the largest phases that a dog will go through is the fear of being alone. I m not talking about being alone in the sense of you leaving your home. Some dogs will go crazy even when you only leave the room for a just a moment. They just can t stand to be left alone because they are used to having their mommy around non stop.
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When faced with this type of situation, what can a dog owner do? If you run to your dog to sooth and caress him each time he cries, then you are only encouraging the behavior and creating a spoiled dog. Then again, if you ignore him and let him bark his mouth out, the rest of the family (especially your spouse) will become very irritated with you for letting the barking go on.
It s like being stuck between a rock and a hard place, literally. I do have a few tips to help you deal with your dog barking issue:
1. Number one, try ignoring your dog’s barking if at all possible without yelling at him. Yelling and screaming your voice box out will either scare him from wanting to come near you or will further add to his anxiety levels that and he will continue barking.
2. There is a product known as a “teaching lead” which will help your dog to be around you at all times in the home. I recommend that dog owners use these types of tools so that he can be around you while he is getting used to being independent.
3. When you leave your home, try to avoid long and drawn out departures if you can help it. Although it s understandable to want to pet your dog and talk sweet to him before leaving the home, it only causes more stress because she will start to associate your behavior with you leaving her side. The same goes for when you arrive home. Try avoiding huge and exciting welcomes after walking through the door.
4. Just use a simple training aid to get your dog to quiet down quickly when he is barking. A water spritz (bottle) that sends a quick burst of streaming spray is a Heaven sent idea. Or you could use a small tin can filled with a few nickels in it. When you go to leave his side and he starts barking, simply throw that can in her area. It will cause a startling sound while at the same time redirect his attention.
