Visit the kennels of any animal rescue centre and what’s your first impression as you approach?
That’s right: the sounds of dogs barking. Most of those sounds are happy, because some gut instinct inside those dogs tells them that they might – just might – be about to find an exciting new home. And a brand new owner to love and care for.
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Picking up their mood
So many moods can be picked up from the dog bark, say experts.
There’s the excited bark, that says ‘take me for a walk’.
There’s the assertive sound that warns other dogs in no undertain terms: ‘I’m in charge.’
And the ‘poor-me… I’m hungry’ bark that is familiar to most of us when meal time approaches.
Increased anxiety levels
So what else makes a dog bark?
Sudden noises are a well-known cause. Some dogs are terrified of thunder, fireworks and even being around heavy traffic. Increased anxiety levels are liable to make them tremble, slaver, chew their paws, and hide in a dark corner. If they have the energy to express themselves, they will bark pathetically.
Travelling is another cause of stress-related barking. As is meeting dogs whose scent isn’t quite right. Pheromones can have a funny effect on dogs.
And, of course, separation anxiety. Boisterous young male dogs hate being left alone. That’s when they get up to mischief. When they can’t find any mischief to get up to and realise they’ve been left alone in the house, they can become particularly vociferous in their objections.
Various solutions to the problem
Yes, we all know that certain breeds of dog love the sound of their own bark and will go on and on and on for no reason at all. And it isn’t always easy to stop dogs barking when they get themselves into a noise-making frame of mind.
Neighbours are likely to complain about what they consider to be the dog barking nuisance and suggest various solutions to the problem, ranging from putting the animal in an anti barking dog collar (which might not be very comfortable) to shooting him stone dead (which definitely would not be).
A more sensible resolution to the problem would of course be to take the noisy little menace to a good animal trainer or behaviourist… having first established that there is no health problem bugging him that needs sorting out by the vet. A spot of professional dog training can solve most problems troubling the average family pet.
Positive attitude more effective
The wise owner never punishes a dog for barking. Shock treatment and sprays aimed at reducing perceived anxiety causing the dog to bark, can have entirely the opposite effect. Increased stress levels are likely to make dogs bark even more.
A positive attitude towards the problem is far more effective than a negative. Instead of punishing the dog for barking, reward him when he doesn’t and he’ll soon get the message that being quiet makes for a much calmer and more peaceful lifestyle. If he’s lucky, he might even get some more treats.
How does it work?
Among the many suggestions we found to relax an anxious dog was a garment called Thundershirt (www.thundershirt.com). This is a type of coat/wrap which the manufacturers claim works wonders for a stressed-out dog.
So how does it work?
Well, apparently, it hits pressure points in the body in a such a gentle and constant way that it has an immediate calming effect on the animal’s nervous system.
The Thundershirt, which can be really effective to stop dogs barking, comes in sizes from very small to very large and can be ordered on line.
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