Dear Lola: My dog is going bonkers, barking and jumping off the wall. Fire sirens, arrival of the mailman, neighbors bringing over a welcome casserole, and even going to vet causes him to act hyper and nervous. What can I do to calm my dog and stop him from being a chronic barker? Sending my dog to the corner for a time out does not seem to be doing the trick. I am afraid that my dogs excessive barking will send the neighbors packing up their U-haul and having people saying, “BEWARE of the women with the barking mad dog!” Please help me to restore order in my household & regain my sanity.

Sincerely, BARKING MAD

DEAR BARKING MAD: There are many things dog’s are good at doing. Eating, sleeping, burying bones, getting dirty, fetching and reading the daily p-mails to name a few. Not to mention that dog’s are known to have a ph.D in barking up a storm, no dog is immune to this behavior. Just remember that some howling & barking is part of our very nature, making us who we are.

Unfortunately dogs don’t understand the phrase “Shhh.. Use your library voice”  like  you weren’t born with a mute or pause button. Although barking is a part of being a dog no one likes to hear the incessant barking of the dog next door. So yes, that would alarm neighbors and napping relatives, making anyone crazy. Even the most sane person may be tempted to admit him or herself into an insane asylum for some peace and quiet. I’ve coined the phrase “barking dogs don’t make good neighbors”, especially ones that bark through out the night. This can become such a problem for neighbors, that not even a large plate of “I’m sorry” fresh baked cookies can mend.

But like any dog, I myself get very excited when a mailman or visitor knocks on the door and can’t help but to bark out woofs of joy. One may say that I graduated at the top of my class with a “bark-laureate” and emphasis in public speaking. But I have come to learn the hard way, from my parents loving discipline, that continued barking is not proper doggy etiquette 101. Although I can be quite opinionated, being a dog I have learned that sometimes it is best to be quiet. Especially when a treat is whiffed in front of my face.

It is so tempting to react to your dogs irritating barking with a bark of your own. But remember this does not help the situation, but makes it worse. The better you understand how he experiences the world, the less likely you will become frustrated and angry. Well, seeing as though there is not a dog manual or dictionary to translate, your official Dog Whisperer (me) has come to the rescue! The first step in obtaining peace and quiet is to realize that lots of barking can be caused by your dog being lonely, bored, frustrated or frightened. Getting to the root of the barking is the first step and  half the battle. Once you figure out the cause then you can begin to change the behavior.

There are many categories of barking such as:

Alert barking. Dog barks to let you know he has seen or heard something out of the ordinary.
Defensive barking. Dog barks to make something he is afraid of or doesn’t like go away.
Attention barking. Dog wants attention.
Frustration barking. Dog is confused, frustrated, or stressed.
Boredom barking. Dog barks to amuse himself.

Some dogs, like my neighbor across the street, barks due to separation anxiety because they miss their owners companionship. So keep in mind that your dogs barking can mean a lot of things. Perhaps, they want to go to the potty, hungry for a treat or thirst for water, want to play fetch or go to the dog park. Sometimes all it takes is meeting these needs to put your dog on momentary mute. Dogs are social beings and need a good meet and sniff on a daily basis, so when denied they bark non-stop.  This in many cases occur if the dog is confined all day in the home or backyard alone,  sadly leaving barking the only  hobby to occupy their time. Not good for the neighbors hearing!

Dogs have a keen sense of hearing and sight which can be there downfall at times & get you both in trouble. Perhaps, your dog sees and senses a stranger approaching and sends out a loud siren bark to alert you. Or even sees the neighbors dog or cat loitering on your front lawn (their territory) or unwanted intruders. So if you haven’t guessed it before ADT, fire alarms, and doorbells there were dogs!

It is important that if you are training your dog to stop barking, to give lost of praise! Immediately praising the dog and rewarding him with treats for good behavior serves as great positive reinforcement and works wonders. Just ask my parents, they praise me when there is a visitor, with such a big ego I behave and sit quietly. With all this praise and affirmation my “good dog” behavior comes naturally. But that does not mean I don’t get into mischief, I have been caught many times with my hands in the biscuit jar!

But don’t get discourage, retraining takes time. Even the most well-trained & praised dog needs helps curbing their barking habit, and this does not happen overnight. So there is no need for you and your neighbors to lose sleep over it, no pun intended. Keeping your neighbors informed of your dogs progress can help the situation & may make them more understanding.

What about squirt bottles, you ask! Although a squirt bottle filled with tap water is a good and natural barking deterrent. There are also all natural alternatives & herbs that can help you cope and calm a barking, nervous, fidgety, restless or over anxious pup.

What my parents love about any organic &  homeopathic remedy is it that is safe, all-natural, effective and easy to use. One can say it is the ultimate momentary dog mute button, helping you turn the volume down quite a few notches. Although herbs are safe, dogs can react to herbs differently. So to ease your mind and hyperactive dog begin by administering the herbs in low doses, gradually increase the dose as need as tolerance build. Here are a list of herbs that work wonder:

Chamomile

Take my word for it, all natural remedies do work! Soon your barking mad dog will be calm as a cucumber, flopped down for restful night’s sleep or afternoon nap. Now you can finally get that well-deserved break that all pet owners day-dream about. So, go ahead give them a try, relax and plunk on the couch with a barking read.

You and your neighbors can smile again and finally get rid of those bags under your eyes. Not to mention, that with these tips you can finally put away that sign on your forehead that says “Beware Barking Dog”. Beginning now start relinquishing your crown as Misses Chronic Barker, your dog can be on a road to recovery. I wish you both well.

Barkingly yours,
Lola the eco-dog

You Ask, She Barks Back!

Tune in daily to her blog slobbering blog. If you need an honorary dog whisperer, have a question, need advice on dog related topics. Just email her at lolaecodog@gmail.com she  is here to help!

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