How to Stop a Puppy from Barking
One behavior that often drive owners crazy is barking. It can cause so many problems for both the owner and the puppy and many dogs are re-homed simply because of barking problems.
While some barking can be deterred, it is important to note that barking is a natural behavior for dogs and puppies. In addition, many breeds bark more than others and you should accept it. One breed that is known as a barking breed is the Beagle and countless Beagles are sent to shelters because of this simple breed predilection.
Before you purchase a puppy, ask yourself how much barking you are willing to put up with. If you find that it is very low, it is recommended that you choose breeds that are not considered yappy since that is the first step to keeping your puppy from barking.
If you don’t mind some barking in your life, then the breed is not going to play a large factor in your decision, aside from choosing the breed that suits your lifestyle and your taste.
Click Here for the Ultimate Way to Stop a Puppy from Barking
Before you try to stop a puppy from barking it is important to understand why your puppy is barking at all. In general, puppies bark because:
- They are bored
- They are lonely
- They are playing
- They are stressed or anxious
- They are excited
- They are communicating
If you actually think about it, barking is the way that our puppies talk to us. It is their verbal language and while we don’t understand what they are saying, it doesn’t stop them from trying to say it.
When you are dealing with barking, there are a few things that you should do to prevent it and I will actually go through several areas of puppy barking.
Combating loneliness and boredom barking
When you first leave a puppy home for a day, you may pull up to your house and hear your puppy howling away. If you think he just started, think again because chances are, he has been barking throughout the day.
The main reason for barking while you are away is boredom and loneliness. Your puppy wants to be with you and he doesn’t want to be stuck in a crate all day. While letting him run free while you are gone may seem like the best solution, it isn’t. In fact, it won’t stop a puppy from barking and will only cause more problems in the long run.
Instead, the best way to stop a puppy from barking while you are gone is to make sure that your puppy’s needs are being met. In the morning, before you head out to work, take your puppy for a walk or play with him in the backyard. The key is to tire him out and let him get some of his energy out.
When you put him in his crate for the day, place in a few toys, such as a Kong, that will keep him entertained while you are away. Make sure that the toys you do place in the crate are safe and won’t pose a choking hazard for your puppy.
Once he is in there, turn on a radio to combat the loneliness and then leave the house. Don’t make your goodbye a big deal or too prolonged. Just pet him before he goes in, and then distract him by throwing a toy or a treat into the crate. When you leave, he is occupied and he’s not thinking about how wonderful your cuddles were.
If you played with your puppy, chances are he will be tired and will sleep for a few hours. After he wakes up, he will have something fun to play with and he will be less likely to bark.
For more tips on how to stop a puppy from barking, read our next article: How to Stop a Puppy from Barking – Part Two
Click Here for the Ultimate Way to Stop a Puppy from Barking
