why is my dog barking so much?

Answer 1

Is your home over 100 years old or around there? If it is, your dog be be in fact barking at a ghost. There have been many reports of dogs barking or cats hissing at absolutely nothing. They say dogs have a sixth sense, and this may be true with your dog. But if your house is new or if you're sure it is not haunted, to heck with it. I don't know. Think on creative proportions and actually put yourself in the place of the dog and just think "If I were dog, what would I be barking at?".

Answer 2

They don't bark without reason.It's up to you to figure out what that reason is.
Dogs are pack animals.Very social creatures so if it's barking at nothing in particular it's bored,lonely or anxious because it sorely needs to run or be mentally stimulated.
If it's barking at a door or a window it either wants out or in for the same reasons.
It may be that if it's barking and looking in just one direction it's alerting you there's something or someone there annoying it.A sound may be setting it off.In any case it's up to you to figure it out and stop the dogs barking by taking care of it in any manner other than yelling SHUT UP.
I'm a firm believer that EVERYONE who keeps a dog kenneled or chained should be forced to spend 24 hrs. in the dogs place.Then they'll know why the poor dog is barking.

Answer 3

Barking traits will depend on the breed of dog, for instance Shelties and smaller dogs like Chitzu's, poodles etc., may have a stronger need to bark and show others they are boss, even if they are shivering in their paws.

The best way to try first is catching the dog when he first begins...if you put him outside the first thing you say, "No barking " If he's quiet for the first few minutes...pop outside, tell him he's a good boy/girl and give him a treat.

Keep this up if he's barkless for the extent of his outside activity...ever 10 mins or so.

If he barks, tell him in a commanding voice...no yelling to shut up etc., just a firm, normal voice "Stop barking, " if he stops right away....treat time. If not, bring him in the house and tell him he didn't listen and to go lie down. No treat.

As long as he remains quiet outside he can stay there...the moment he doesn't listen to your first command to stay quiet, he is removed from the yard and told to lie down.

It takes a bit if he has been used to barking a lot, but repetitive training and rewards are more effective and gain better results than simply telling them to be quiet or go lay down when they are outside.

In my opinion this method is also cheaper and more humane than bark collars etc.

Answer 4

sometimes dogs need to be trained for when to bark and what is appropriate to bark at and for how long. not enough attention will cause a dog to bark because everytime it barks it is getting attention (most of the time negative attention, but still attention). there is a wonderful show on called "the dog whisperer" you can get ideas of how to help with certain behavior problems from it, ask your vet if they know of any books or website that can help with this, and be patient.

Answer 5

We had a dog that barked at the air.
Maybe your dog needs some loving attention.

Answer 6

depending on the breed of dog you have certain types of breeds that will bark a lot..i have a lab and she barks a lot if she thinks there might be a threat to the family...any little noise, bump in the night...lol..or anything like that....it just depends on the breed...not really sure if you can train your dog not to bark a lot, but they do have those bark collars the dogs wear...i have never tried one, but you could look into that if you want to

Answer 7

Is it an old dog? Sometimes they will bark a lot because they are deaf and/or blind. Is he/she alone a lot, does it have access to other dogs to play with? Does it have separation anxiety? Some of these things can be treated with pharmaceuticals in conjunction with behavioral modification techniques. Take it to the vet to be examined to eliminate any possible physical problems and to ask about tranquilizers/sedatives. Good Luck.

Answer 8

You should get a barking collar. Every time they bark little prongs in the collar push at the dogs neck. It doesn't really hurt the dog, it makes them stop barking. Worked for my dog!

Answer 9

He is probably bored. He wants a job. Depending on how big and how strong he is, you can help him learn to help you. A big dog can learn to wear a harness and pull a wagon or help you carry groceries or water and a bowl for you and him when you go on walks. A small dog can "show" you the path to go pick up the mail, take out the compost, or other places you have to walk. Try it. Both of you will enjoy the extra time together.

Answer 10

He's probly barking at what he hears outside or he wants some attention