Barking Dogs

By Gina Micciulla

Welcome Human-Dog Coach and owner of Unleash Yourself, Gina Micciulla. Micciulla will answer your dog questions by applying an evolving dog model based on mentor Chris Bach’s philosophy of THE THIRD WAY. If you have a question for Micciulla email her at jackpotgina@unleashyourself.biz.

Hello Gina,
It has been some time since I have seen you, but I brought my dog (Phoebe the dachshund) to your daycare back in 2003. She was a super easy pup, who now is 10 years old. I kind of thought I was the dog whisper because she was truly so well behaved. Well I am now the proud parent of three small dogs that think their mission in life is to bark; bark at the doorbell, the neighbors, and people walking outside. I would prefer my neighbors not ask me to move so I think it is time to work on things with them.
— Nichelle, Portland
 
The first step to address excessive barking is to rule out possible underlying medical causes. Dogs who bark excessively may be suffering from separation anxiety, chronic diseases, or pain. These problems typically cause the dog to have greater anxiety and restlessness. Older dogs in particular may begin to suffer from neurological changes, hearing and vision loss.

Once medical causes have been ruled out, it is important to examine the living situation of the dog to see if there are obvious causes to the barking.

I often compare barking in dogs to laughter in humans. We find ourselves laughing in all sorts of situations, some of which are contrary to one another. We laugh for joy. We laugh in uncomfortable or high-pressure situations. We laugh when we’re exhausted (giddy). We laugh when we feel defensive. We laugh for relief. Sometimes we laugh at our misfortune; especially when being consoled by a friend. Often, it is uncontrollable.

Barking is a way of releasing internal tension. Think of it as the steam leaving a teakettle. Depending on the circumstances, barking can be therapeutic. It may be your dog’s only way of releasing tension at this point when she is anxious.

A common form of barking is frustration or attention barking often caused by putting dogs on a “fixed schedule of reinforcement.” (See my book, Will Work For Food, Ditch the Dish)

The dog’s “cue” to sit might have become the sight of food in your hand. And you may have accidentally put him on a “fixed schedule” for sitting because you always rewarded him immediately with food when he sat.

Dogs that alert bark are doing so because something new changes their emotional state to a more aroused one. When most dogs are aroused, they will bark. Chances are, the dog will initially bark even when someone familiar shows up unexpectedly or out of context.

Dogs are quick to respond defensively because it gives them a chance to assess the situation before they determine if the person is a threat. Humans have subtle ways of keeping other people at a distance while they assess them. The problem is, the way dogs do it is not politically correct!

Dogs that are socially isolated or confined for long periods without daily mental and physical exercise need some outlet for their pent-up energy. A dog that is left alone all day is likely to take up barking as a hobby because no one is there to interrupt him. In no time at all, barking becomes an enjoyable habit.

Regardless of the problem, here is my strategy: To solve a problem, a new response must be taught as a replacement. A dog cannot learn what not to do. A dog can only learn what to do. A frustrated person changes interaction, which creates problems. Problems with the dog not listening or failing to respond are often caused by inconsistencies at home.

Gina Micciulla MTWT, IDT is a human-dog coach and owner of Unleash Yourself located in Portland, OR. Micciulla teaches the evolving dog model based on mentor, Chris Bach’s philosophy of THE THIRD WAY. For more information call 503-349-3088 or email Micciulla at jackpotgina@unleashyourself.biz or visit www.unleashyourself.biz.