Barking

Dogs bark for many reasons, and the cause decides what will help. Common types include alert or territorial barking at sounds and passersby, greeting and excitement barking, demand barking for food or attention, play barking, fear barking and the repeated barking of boredom, frustration or loneliness.

The pitch, rhythm and body posture tell much about the message. A low, slow bark with stiff posture is often a warning; a high, repeated bark with a wagging body may be a greeting.

Some breeds are more vocal than others, and barking is not something to be removed completely. To reduce it, remove the cause or reward quiet behavior, and give enough exercise and enrichment. Shouting can sound like barking along with the dog. Collars that punish barking suppress the sound but not the reason. If barking starts suddenly or comes with distress when alone, ask a veterinarian or behaviorist.