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Dog Barking: What is motivating this dog to bark?

“...it’s essential to remember that barking is not the problem, but rather a symptom...”

Understanding your dog's barking can offer deep insights into their emotional states. In our latest podcast episode, Barbara Sheaffer sits down with seasoned dog behaviorist Scott Sheaffer to unlock the mysteries of canine communication. We leave no stone unturned in our quest to provide a long-term solution to incessant dog barking.

Barking in dogs is usually a symptom of an underlying root cause. Some dogs bark out of anxiety, while others bark to seek attention. Still, others may bark due to territorial fear or arousal. The first step in addressing your dog's nuisance barking is to understand the root cause.

One of the key takeaways from Barbara’s discussion with Scott is that the pitch, duration, and frequency of a dog's bark can provide clues to their emotional state. For instance, a high-pitched and repeated bark is usually playful. Rapid barks with pauses can signal that something is wrong, such as when dogs sense danger. Moreover, noticing what the dog is looking at while barking can also provide valuable insights.

Another fascinating aspect of this conversation is the exploration of whether dogs are aware of the annoyance their barking causes. It appears that most dogs do not realize their barking is annoying to their owners. Instead, they bark to achieve some other goal, like moving scary things away or getting the owner's attention.

However, understanding the root cause of barking is just half the battle. The other half is treating the root cause effectively. For anxiety-related causes, the treatment usually involves removing the thing that's causing the anxiety or desensitizing and counter-conditioning the dog to it. For attention-seeking barking, the owner should stop giving the dog any kind of attention for the behavior.

For barking associated with territorial fear and other fear triggers, the dog should be managed around the triggers while undergoing desensitization and counter-conditioning. Arousal barking, on the other hand, can be addressed by teaching the dog impulse control around the triggering event.

In conclusion, it's essential to remember that barking is not the problem, but rather a symptom of an underlying issue. By understanding and addressing the root cause, we can create a harmonious living environment for both us and our beloved pets.