Dog Care Guide

Barking

BARKING – A COMMON PROBLEM OF DOGS? WHY THEY BARK

Behavioural problems in dogs may be divided into two main categories: actions such as barking or digging that are normal but problematic because they disturb owners or neighbors, and actions such as shadow chasing and tail biting that are not normal but rather arise from abnormalities in the brain. The division between normal and abnormal behaviour is not always clear. A dog, for example, may be barking at neighbours or birds during the day because it feels like it and is blissfully unaware that its owners or neighbours find the behaviour irritating; or it may be barking because it is suffering from separation anxiety. Evaluation by an expert is required to differentiate between normal and abnormal behaviour. Common problems that arise from normal behaviour include barking, digging, destructive behaviour, guarding, house soiling, mounting and wandering.

BARKING

Barking is normal behaviour for dogs. It is a means of self expression and communication. Dogs will bark to ward off intruders, to communicate with other dogs, to express excitement and pleasure during a ball game, when their owners arrive home, or prior to a walk. This is all perfectly normal and neighbours should accept this in moderation just as they accept that children will scream and shout when playing in the street after school.

Barking becomes a problem when it is excessive. It is probably the behaviour least tolerated by people, especially in urban areas. Excessive barking in a normal dog usually results from boredom or territorial (guarding) behaviour. Dogs that are left at home for long periods of time with nothing to do and are not walked daily will become extremely bored. Even if their backyard is huge, they know every inch of it and it simply isn’t exciting anymore.

When dogs are bored they become hyper-reactive, and will then bark at the slightest stimulus. Birds in the trees are a favorite, and any faint noise may easily provoke them.

These dogs need to have more exercise. They should be taken out twice daily for 30 to 60 minutes. They should also have interactive play sessions as well as some good obedience training. A sandpit in which they may dig provides good interactive play. Remember also to rotate toys on a daily basis to stimulate their interest.

Providing a canine companion for a bored or lonely dog may decrease its motivation to bark as the animals can play together and keep each other company.

Some dogs are excessively territorial and will probably bark frequently during the day in defence of heir territory particularly if their owner’s property looks out onto a busy pavement. These dogs are to be differentiated, however, from those that bark incessantly in a monotone during the day from the moment their owners leave the house as they may be suffering from separation anxiety. These dogs need professional help. In fact, all problem barking needs to be properly evaluated, and behaviour modification, in addition to novel stimuli, needs to be implemented. Note that anti-bark collars should not be used as a quick-fix treatment.

The case of Ronnie the barking Border Collie is a good example of how nuisance-barking may be treated.

Ronnie was a seven year old Border Collie whose owner contacted the behaviour clinic because the neighbours complained about the dog barking during the day.

The Mature Dog

Dogs exhibiting behavioral changes such as visual impairment, urinary incontinence, arthritic pain or metabolic disorders such as thyroid or adrenal gland dysfunction need a full physical examination by a veterinary surgeon to determine whether these are simply the underlying health problems needing to be addressed or whether, in fact, they are suffering from canine cognitive dysfunction as the symptom of disorientation is exhibited in several conditions and may be misleading.

It is important to remember that as dogs age, they can show behavioral changes. Unfortunately, many people who notice changes in their aging dogs, such as visual impairment, bed-wetting and night-time wandering. simply dismiss these as the inevitable consequences of advancing years and do not realize that much can be done to help their pet enjoy a comfortable and dignified retirement. What owners must realize is that there are physiological as well as psychological reasons for these behavioral changes and that often there are effective treatments available for them. Arthritis, leaky bladders and other age-related changes can be successfully treated. Older dogs, just like older people, need special consideration and healthcare.

Affected animals seem disoriented at times and often bark for no reason. They wander into corners, ask for food and then forget to eat it, and sometimes start soiling inside. They often become very insecure and show signs of separation anxiety.

The good news is that there are drugs to treat this condition. Some work by causing vasodilatation, increasing blood supply to the brain, thereby increasing oxygen and glucose availability. These drugs may be helpful if administered early in a dog’s aging process. Others increase dopamine levels in the brain and are neuro-protective.