Dealing with Barking
Dog barking is a type of communication. Knowing what information your dog is trying to impart is the first step to better controlling this natural behavior.
Alarm barking
Most of us appreciate that our dogs will let us know when something is happening or someone is invading the family territory. The problem lies in how long our dogs bark. A simple woof woof will do.
When we don't assess the level of danger when a dog alert barks, a dog might continue to bark until the danger has passed. The easiest way to disengage that type of barking is to take over the situation. Go to where your dog is barking. Look around. Be obvious and maybe a little dramatic. "Oh, I see. It's the delivery man. Thanks, Duke-boy. I can handle it from here." Once your dog understands (and believes) that you are holding up your end of the responsibilities, your dog will begin to offer just a few woofs as the alert signal. After a while, you can simply say "Good job! I've got it!" from the comfort of your lounger.
Attention-seeking/demand
Does your dog bark at you while you're on the phone, while you're reading, using the computer, cooking or any other time that your focus is dedicated to something other than your dog? This is the quintessential demand barker. This dog is saying, "Pay attention to me NOW!". How to best deal with this type of arrogance? Ignore it. Walk out of the room. Turn your back. Close a door that separates you. Confine the dog to a small area. Only when your dog is quiet will you pay any attention to him/her.
Demand barkers don't give up easily. This will get worse before it gets better but if you stick to your plan you will deflate this egoist of a dog.
Fear-based
Dogs who bark as a response to fear need to be handled gently. They feel threatened and unsafe. Move slowly, speak softly, and allow the dog to approach you. If your dog is not yet ready to do that, toss a few yummy treats and walk away. Try again later and as many times until the dog feels comfortable. With patience, you'll have a grateful canine friend.
Boredom/Loneliness
Dogs who are physically and mentally under-exercised will bark. Dogs who are left without companionship will bark. All dogs need some degree of physical exercise. All dogs need to be trained and to have those skills kept well-honed. As domestic animals, dogs need social interaction.
Walk your dog regularly. Play games with your dog. Take classes with your dog. Enroll your dog in doggy daycare or hire a compassionate dog walker.
Stress/Anxiety
You will need to discover the cause of your dog's anxiety to address stress barking. Does yoru dog dislike the construction happening nearby? Did you get new furniture? Did you bring home a new pet? Did a household member move out? Move in? Did your schedule change? Think of any type of changes or adjustments your dog has had to endure.
Sometimes a source or cause isn't known. Sometimes a dog needs the help of anti-anxiety medication. Speak with a veterinarian or a recommended behavior specialist to help you make this decision.
Emotional (happy/excited; frustrated; "back-talking")
YIPEEE! You and your dog are having fun! Your dog barks. It's a joyous expression. Excitement barking shouldn't be completely disallowed. Keep it to a few excited barks and then ask the dog to settle. Simply touching and petting slowly will calm a moderately excited dog.
Frustration barking is resolved by knowing what the source is. Is someone teasing your dog? Is a toy just out of reach? Help your dog - stop the taunters or fetch the toy.
Dogs who bark or "boof" after they are chastised are being feisty. Don't take the bait. Ignore this dog. Walk away.
Pain
This may be the only indication that your dog is pain. If you believe this to be the case, safely get your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible!
Need to eliminate/hunger
Pretty simple solutions: take your dog outside to eliminate; feed your dog on a schedule.
Responding to other dogs barking
The call of the wild. This can be tough to handle because you cannot control the other dogs. You might just go ahead and allow it. You might also try to redirect your dog to another behavior like chasing after a toy.
