Why dogs bark

 Picture this, you're walking in the park, minding your own business when suddenly a dog comes up to you and starts barking. You start to panic because there is no reason for this dog to be barking at you.

Why is this dog barking?

Dogs bark because we humans want our dogs to bark. For years our domestication process and selective breeding has allowed our dogs to develop their barking abilities. Wolves don't bark, so through genetic engineering and the selective breeding process, dogs these days have the ability to retain juvenile characteristics. This is through the process known as neoteny.

Humans have chosen to retain the infantile traits of wolves like large heads, flat faces, large eyes and of course the ability to communicate, barking. Barking was further developed in dogs in order to scare intruders or to help the master out (i.e. on farms to assist in gathering the sheep).

Most dogs simply bark to communicate, to get attention, or simply to show their excitement. Training and lifestyle are important factors in teaching the dog how to communicate with its master.

Dogs are extremely social animals. Wolves themselves always travel in packs are usually never alone. Bringing a dog into your family is basically like bringing a wolf into a pack. It becomes a part of the family. Try not to leave it alone otherwise it will feel as if it was abandoned by the pack. Dogs are like having a baby in the house. They need love, attention, and someone to be there to take care of them. Like people they need a companion to blossom. Meeting your dog's emotional need for companionship and play will allow the two of you to form a strong bond together.

Sometimes having a second dog in the house can minimize the barking and minimize the loneliness. Although this may be rewarding at some times, it can also be a pain. Your best bet would be to maximize training of your dog when it decides to bark. Sometimes having two dogs may cause havoc because they may teach each other to bark more. From the example above, dogs who bark at people are trained in a specific way. Everything boils down to how the owner trains their dog. If you reward the dog for barking, then the dog will understand that it's a good thing to bark. If you don't reward the dog for barking, the dog will understand that it's a bad thing to bark. If you are training your dog to become a watchdog, sometimes their barking can be very selective and discriminating with certain people. Sometimes they may just bark at anything they see. It is important to train these dogs by developing their intelligence level and how they interpret various events.

Dogs who simply bark because of activity or excitement are relatively hard to eliminate. Most of the time these dogs are unaware of their barking and in turn becomes a process that is hard to eliminate. You must turn to a dog trainer who teaches the dog to debark.

Debarking can be somewhat inhumane because the dog is trained to let out a low, raspy bark which cannot be heard from more than a few feet away. If you consider the process of debarking your dog you must weigh the pros and cons. It can be beneficial in the sense that your dog will no longer be the irritating dog on the block who barks at anything he sees but may be a problem if the dog is in danger. As an owner you would want to know where the location of your dog was if it was in danger.

About the author:

Cindy Frendo runs her own puppy training and dog training school from her hometown of Ottawa, Canada. She also runs her own website at puppytrainingrevealed.com

 Cindy Frendo

More Articles 

A Look at Custom Dog Tags - Alison Cole
Have you been shopping and shopping for just the right dog tag, without finding what you're looking for to suit your dog's personality? Choose your exact specifications, give them to the manufacturer, and they'll produce a dog tag to your liking....

Choosing A Good Hunting Dog - Kirsten Hawkins
Dogs have been bred for the purposes of hunting with humans for centuries. Whether hunting for food or sport, various breeds of dog have been used to help flush the hunted animals out into the open, to retrieve downed animals (especially ducks,...

Christmas Gifts for Dog Lovers & their Dogs - Adriana Copaceanu
If you have dog lovers in your family, it's time to think of some unique gifts you can give them this Christmas. They will remember this gift for a long time if you not only give them a gift form themselves, but include something for their...

Shih-tzu the best lap dog period. - Adam Lenk
Shih-tzu the best lap dog period. The Shih-tzu is mostly known for its vibrant beauty, abounding energy, and imperial attitude. In fact, the Shih-tzu has become one of the most popular breeds among consumers searching for the unimaginably cute and...

Toys are GOOD for your dog - Tina Spriggs
Did you know that dog toys are actually good for your dog, and not just an indulgence on the part of the owner? There are all kinds of uses for different types of toys. First, starting as puppies, toys give your dog a distraction from other...

How to Maintain Your Love Affair ... With Your Dog Part One - Training - Peggie Arvidson Dailey
How to Maintain Your Love Affair with Your Dog - Training Tips for a Happy and Healthy Relationship with Your Canine Companion © 2004-2005 by Peggie Arvidson-Dailey When I first laid eyes on my little ball of black fluff at an adoption fair, I knew...

How To Be A Good Dog Owner - John Moore
How To Be A Good Dog Owner Before making the decision about buying a new dog, here are some points you should consider :- 1. Is someone at home for most of the day ? A dog, especially a puppy, should not be left on its own for more...

Tips on choosing the best dog house for your pet - Nicole Martins
The Humane Society of America recommends dogs live indoors but sometimes it just isn't possible. Maybe you own a large dog and just don't have enough space in your home for the newest, furriest member. In this case, a dog house is a must. Here are a...

Teaching Directional Commands for the Dog Agility Beginner - Brad Carlson
Playing, training or working your dog is incredibly rewarding. Dogs are generally friendly, responsive, and quick-to-learn. Agility training is a healthy sport for both canine and owner, as it gets you outside and active building your bond in...

Golden Years: Nine Ways a Dog Boosts Your Health - James Jacobson
What if there was a simple way to reduce stress, prolong and improve the quality of your life, banish the blues, and best of all, decrease the number of doctor visits? There is! Get a dog. Here are nine ways that having a dog can boost your...

Keeping Your Dog Healthy - Amy Howells
Feed him a balanced diet. Additional tips from owners include: Give an occasional yogurt treat - Ask your vet about giving Boxers calcium tablets as they could have some problems later on in life! - Keep him comfortable so his immune system can...

Five Simple Tips To Get Your Dog Ready For Dog Shows - David Riewe
Every truly avid dog-owner wishes for the chance to show off his pet at the nearest dog show. It is both a way to validate your pride in owning your pet and a chance to see other beautiful dogs in action. For the first timer, however, entering...