(336) 855-5821
AAHA AccreditedTopics Below: Attention | Isolation | Defense
General Info
Whining, barking and howling reflect a dog's emotional state. For example, a dog that is excited or startled may bark to express its agitation. It is important to bear in mind that your reaction to your dog's barking or whining will determine its behavior in the future.
[Top of Page]Whining or Barking to Attract Attention
Your dog can learn to behave in ways that attract attention if you reward its behavior with attention. If your dog barks when it sees food and you then give it food, the dog will learn to bark for food. The dog may then learn to bark in a variety of situations, many of them inappropriate, for a reward. Reward (positive reinforcement) may take many forms, including food, praise or petting. Even in the form of punishment, negative attention is still attention.
As with other forms of undesirable behavior, it is not enough to just say no when a dog barks excessively. Objectionable activity must be redirected immediately toward an acceptable alternative. The appropriate substitute is determined by the situation.
Rather than giving food to a barking dog, for example, put it in a sit/stay position and wait for at least 10 seconds of quiet and calm before rewarding it with food. The delay is important so that the pet will associate good behavior, not barking, with the reward.
Sometimes, the best way to deal with barking or whining is to simply ignore it. As difficult as this may be, keep in mind that you encourage barking by giving your dog any attention, positive (reward) or negative (punishment).
[Top of Page]Barking During Isolation
A dog that is not accustomed to being alone may become anxious when isolated or separated from a playmate or human companion. This anxiety may be expressed by whining, barking and howling. The dog may bark or whine only in the first moments following separation, or may continue the entire period of isolation.
Behavior modification, sometimes combined with sedation as necessary, is the best solution. Vocalization may precede other forms of separation anxiety, such as destructiveness, inappropriate elimination and excessive grooming.
[Top of Page]Defensive Barking
Territorial defense is part of a dog's basic nature. Barking and growling serve to alert other pack or family members to danger. If your dog barks because it is startled by a noise outside and you immediately come to see what it was barking at, it will soon associate barking with reward and anticipate praise or attention the next time it barks. Barking may be desirable if you value a good watchdog; however, it may also escalate to excessive levels. A dog can overreact to the slightest sound or bark constantly for no apparent reason. This problem may be exaggerated in dogs that are not adequately exercised or that are ignored unless they make noise.
Regular leash walks provide a dog with mental and physical stimulation so that it is calmer in general and less likely to seek objectionable activities. Exercise also allows the dog an opportunity for important social interaction, namely to patrol its territory with you.
Remember also that when your dog barks excessively, it is not enough to just say no. Command it to a sit/stay position, for example, to counteract uncontrolled excitement with a controlled alternative.
[Top of Page]