By Dr. Leslie Kasper, DVM

What are the reasons dogs bark?

It is important to understand why dogs bark so you will be able to deal with the root of the problem rather than just the symptom. Three of the most common reasons include to act as an alarm to potential intruders (which many pet parents encourage), due to stress and/or boredom when left alone, and to get attention and elicit play.

The last is a reason that is often inadvertently trained by owners who open the door, give a treat, speak to or pet their dog when he or she barks and tend to ignore the dog when he or she is quiet.

Barking is a normal part of dog behavior, so the goal is not to create a barkless dog, rather to be able to manage barking so that it does not become excessive and disturbing to us or our neighbors.

How can you control your dog's barking?
1. First, try to determine the potential underlying cause of the barking, then:
2. Provide your dog with plenty of mental exercise in the form of environmental enrichment. Feed them exclusively from food stuffable toys.

Dogs who burn up mental energy 'hunting' for their food rather than just eating it from a bowl are less likely to indulge in many inappropriate behaviors, including excessive barking.

3. Teach your dog to respond reliably to a few requests such as hand targeting (show). This way you have a way to calmly redirect your dog to an appropriate behavior and stop the barking.

If you focus on reward based training it will be a fun game for your dog and you and result in a mannerly dog you can control.

4. Make sure your dog also has adequate outlets for their physical and social needs (i.e. plenty of walks and playtime with other dogs).
5. Create a calm resting place for your dog to stay for short periods when you can't watch her and are concerned she may bark at the door or window. A crate is a good option and you should feed meals in there so your dog associates it with something good.
6. Practice tethering on a leash in different spots in the home with a chew toy so your dog learns to self-pacify.
Are there products on the market that will help stop a dog from barking?
There are collars that emit a spray (either citronella or unscented), collars emit a high pitched tone, and collars that emit a shock. While these might work in some cases, people should be cautions using them since them.
While they may stop barking, the underlying cause is not being dealt with (for example, stress). A tool that scares the dog could cause the barking to worsen. Ultimately there is really no substitute for training, environmental enrichment, exercise, proper socialization.
Dr. Leslie Kasper, director of Burien Animal Care and Control, is a graduate of Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Her veterinary clinic, Companion Animal Medical Center, located at 19655 1st Ave, is Burien's animal shelter. Call the shelter at 206-870-8471.