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Snohomish Police Department
Dog Care / Barking Dog
Problems such as excessive barking can
result in neighborhood disputes and violations of animal-control
ordinances.
 Therefore,
barking dogs can become "people problems." If your dog's
barking has created neighborhood tension, it might be a
 good
idea to discuss the problem with your neighbors. It's perfectly normal
and reasonable for dogs to bark from time to time, just as children make
noise when they play outside. However, continual barking for long
periods of time is a sign that your dog has a problem that needs to be
addressed.
The first thing you need to do is determine when
and for how long your dog barks, and what's causing him to bark. You may
need to do some detective work to obtain this information, especially if
the barking occurs when you're not home.
 Ask
your neighbors, drive or walk around the block and watch and listen for
a while, or start a tape recorder or video camera when you leave for
work. Hopefully, you'll be able to discover which of the common problems
discussed below is the cause of your dog's barking.
Social
Isolation/Frustration/Attention Seeking
Your dog may be barking because he's bored and
lonely if:
 | He's left alone for long periods of time without opportunities for
interaction with you. |
| His environment is relatively barren, without playmates or toys. |
| He's a puppy or adolescent (under 3 years old) and doesn't have
other outlets for his energy. |
| He's a particularly active type of dog (like the herding or
sporting breeds) who needs a "job" to be happy. |
Recommendations:
Expand your dog's world and increase his
"people time" in the following ways:
| Walk your dog daily - it's good exercise, both mental and
physical. |
| Teach your dog to fetch a ball or Frisbee and practice with him as
often as possible. |
| Teach your dog a few commands and/or tricks and practice them
every day for five to 10 minutes. |
| Take an obedience class with your dog. |
| Provide interesting toys to keep your dog busy when you're not
home Rotating the toys makes them seem new and interesting. |
| If your dog is barking to get your attention, make sure he has
sufficient time with you on a daily basis (petting, grooming,
playing, exercising) so he doesn't have to resort to misbehaving to
get your attention. |
| Keep your dog inside when you're unable to supervise him. |
| Let your neighbors know that you're actively working on the
problem. |
| Take your dog to work with you every now and then, if possible. |
| When you have to leave your dog for extended periods of time, take
him to a "doggie day care" or have a friend or neighbor
walk and/or play with him. |
Separation Anxiety
Your dog may be barking due to separation
anxiety if:
| The barking occurs only when you're gone and starts as soon as, or
shortly after, you leave. |
| Your dog displays other behaviors that reflect a strong attachment
to you, such as following you from room to room, frantic greetings
or reacting anxiously to your preparations to leave. |
| Your dog has recently experienced: a change in the family's
schedule that results in his being left alone more often; a move to
a new house; the death or loss of a family member or another family
pet; or a period at an animal shelter or boarding kennel. |
Recommendations:
| Separation anxiety can be resolved using counter-conditioning and
desensitization techniques.
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