Problem Barking:
Causes and Solutions
"A
reasonable amount o' fleas is good fer a dog --keeps him from broodin' over
bein' a dog"
(Edward Noyes Westcott (1847-1898) American
Author) Thousands of years ago,
humans began the process of domesticating the dog and shaping what "being a
dog" really means. Through careful selection and breeding, an astonishing
variety of dog breeds have been created. Desirable traits have been selected
for in various breeds that are of a benefit to humans. There are some traits,
however, that quickly become undesirable when expressed too frequently. Barking
is an example of a natural behaviour that is encouraged in terms of guarding
behaviour, but becomes a problem when the behaviour is produced in excess. A
recent health insurance investigation revealed that the sound of a continually
barking dog was cited as the most disruptive and stress inducing noise for
humans.
Why Do Dogs Bark?
Barking, in addition to whining, howling and growling, is a dog's
natural means of communication. Barking is characterized by a series of short,
sharp sounds, that tend to vary little in tone or pitch. A dog's bark can
signify territorial protection, exertion of dominance, or expression of some
need. Typically, barking is "a means of communication triggered by a state of
excitement." Being a natural trait, barking is not considered a behavioural
problem, until it is produced in excess.
Causes of
Problem Barking
Problem barking has a variety of origins.
Genetics does influence a dog's tendency to bark. Certain breeds belonging to
the terrier family are prone to more frequent barking than breeds such as
Greyhounds or Basenjis. Generally, however, excess barking can exist in any
breed of dog. The key to solving the problem of inappropriate barking is to
determine what external stimulus is triggering the behaviour. Improper
confinement can be a major cause of problem barkers.
Improper
confinement can include leaving a dog alone in a locked room, or in a dog crate
(a tool used for housebreaking and other behavioural modifications). Other
improper confinements can include restricted tethering outdoors, or even an
enclosed yard without proper shelter from the elements. Such confinement can
cause frustration in a dog and cause it to bark excessively. Closely associated
with improper confinement is lack of exercise as a cause of excess barking.
When a dog is not provided with adequate exercise, pent-up energy is released
through barking.
Environmental sounds can also trigger barking. These
sounds include such things as the barking of other dogs, the sound of passing
cars, strange voices, thunder, and mechanical noises such as the ringing of the
phone. Noises can initiate barking at different times of the day. A dog may not
bark at accustomed sounds during the day, but at night may be incited to a
volley of barking, much to the chagrin of the neighbours, by the slightest of
noises. Other causes of problem barking can include separation anxiety, or the
temperament of the dog: an over-aggressive animal may bark at the smallest
provocation. A strongly territorial dog may bark at any stranger, invited or
uninvited, entering your property.
Solutions to
Excess Barking
Excess barking can be a serious behavioural
problem and can mean the termination of the relationship with your dog or the
dog itself if left untreated. The following text includes information on how to
solve your dog's problem barking as recommended by the veterinary profession.
The first step in solving problem barking, is to determine if your dog
is barking in response to inadequate shelter or improper confinement. If this
is the case, the dog must be provided with a comfortable amount of space or
supplied with a doghouse if outdoor shelter is inadequate. Increasing the
amount of exercise given to your dog may also help.
In the event your
dog is barking in response to environmental noises, or the barking is simply
due to its temperament, behavioural modification methods should be used. These
methods can include reconditioning using a verbal reprimand such as "No!", and
leash correction. It should be noted however, that you should never yell at
your dog, as loud noises may encourage your pet to bark more. Also keep in mind
the punishment should be applied while the barking is occurring, in order for
your dog to associate the unwanted behaviour with the punishment. Also remember
to reward your dog when it stops barking.
Indirect intervention methods
can also be applied. These techniques can range from spraying your dog with
water while it is barking, to using noise producing devices such as "Dog Stop"
or "Barker Breaker," which emit loud or high frequency sounds that interrupt
and deter barking. These devices can be controlled by the owner, or triggered
by the dog's barking. In the event your dog is resistant to these behavioural
modifications, more drastic action can be taken in the form of bark activated
shock collars. This device is particularly effective when barking occurs in the
owner's absence. Shock collars, however, are recommended only after other
control measures have failed. A final resort, when all other behavioural
modification methods have been tried, and particularly when the dog's life is
in question, is a vocal cordectomy (debarking). This surgical procedure
involves removal of all or part of the vocal cords.
The key to solving
the problem of excess barking in your dog begins with an understanding of what
is causing this behaviour. Once you have determined a cause, you have a greater
chance of choosing the most effective solution (e.g., more exercise) or
behavioural modification. Modifying such an instinctive and natural behaviour
as barking can be difficult, and may require considerable patience, time, and
hard work. Solutions, however, are possible, and worth the effort.
References Cited
Houpt,Katherine.
Domestic Animal Behaviour. Second Edition. Iowa State University Press.
Ames, Iowa. 1992.
Landsberg, Gary. Products for Preventing or
Controlling Undesirable behaviour. Veterinary Medicine. 89:970-983.
Neville, Peter. Do Dogs Need Shrinks? Sidgwick & Jackson,
London. 1991
Siegal, Mordecai. When Good Dogs Do Bad Things.
Little, Brown and Company, London. 1986.
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