It’s only natural for a dog to bark occasionally. Sometimes a dog barks during play or to communicate to its owner. Sometimes she just wants to join in the conversation with another dog barking in the neighborhood. Additionally, dogs will bark to warn their master of perceived danger. Most dog owners and their neighbors will accept their dog barking in these instances.
Inappropriate Barking
When a dog barks for no apparent reason or for extended periods of time, it becomes a nuisance. The Arizona Humane Society explains the reasons a dog may bark chronically in their “Understanding the Barking Dog.”
- She’s bored and lonely
- She doesn’t get enough opportunity to interact with playmates or have adequate toys.
- She is under three years old and has pent up energy.
- She is the type of dog who needs a job to be happy (herding type)
The dog owner's first job is to consider which of these reasons might be their dog's barking trigger.
Chronic Barking is Unlawful
Regardless of the reason, chronic barking is irritating for the pet’s household, and even more so for close neighbors. Dogs that bark uncontrollably may be in violation of a city’s animal control ordinances and his owner might find the police at his front door.
The City of Phoenix outlines their policy regarding barking dog disturbances in their Barking Dog Information Center. They state, “It is unlawful for any person to keep a dog within the city limits that is in the habit of barking or howling or disturbs the peace and quiet of another person. A violation of the Barking Dog Ordinance is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which can cost a dog's owner 180 days in jail and/or a $2,500 fine if not addressed after a complaint has been filed.
Address the Barking Problem
When a dog's barking has become a problem, it is in everyone’s best interest for his owner to address the situation immediately. Dog training experts typically recommend the owner try a combination of the following:
- Training. The owner should spend time teaching the dog “speak” and “quiet” commands.Often attending an obedience class will help.
- When gone for extended periods of time, provide toys and treats to diminish boredom or take the dog to a doggie spa or care center.
- When the dog barks in fear of “intruders” near the home, acknowledge the perceived threat and then soothe the dog through a command such as, “enough”, or “that’s okay”.
Overcoming a barking issue is essential for dog owners because ignoring the problem will not make it go away, even as the dog matures. To make life more pleasant for their dog, family and neighbors, a pet owner must get to the core of the problem, try various solutions until he finds one that works, and then be persistent in its application. And the owner of a chronic barker should remember this: dogs don't want to misbehave. If they love their pet, they’ll give the dog guidelines and enforce them, just like they do for their kids.
Related Reading:
What Does a Puppy Cost It's First Year?
Resources:
City of Phoenix Website – Barking Dog Information Center
Jan Peterson - I'm a retired banker, published songwriter, cyber journalist, and member of the advisory board for the Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall ...
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