Ask a Trainer - Barking

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Q: I have a nine-year-old adopted dog named Herald who doesn't respond to "Quiet!" "Stop barking!" or any kind of shushing. He barks a lot- even right at me-but he never seems angry. I have tried an anti-barking device that emits a loud sound, and pop cans with coins, but noises don't faze him. He keeps barking, like he's deaf. But he can hear other things, so I know he's not deaf. Any suggestions? -Debbie, Qualicum Beach, BC

A: There may be more to Herald's problem than just liking the sound of his own voice! Many health problems can cause excessive barking, so a veterinary check-up is needed. Deafness is possible-dogs with hearing loss sometimes bark excessively because they don't hear themselves properly. Are you sure he hears well at other times? Dogs are superb at using other senses to keep tabs on their environment.

If no medical problems are found, the next step is to look for a behavioural cause. Is there anything that could be setting him off- passersby, another dog, traffic noises? Alarm barking is common, and can be tough to control. Try allowing ten seconds of woofs then giving the warning "enough," followed by a brief time-out in the bathroom or basement if he continues.

Does Herald seem energized and playful when he barks? Excitement barking can be redirected. Send him to get a fetch toy, or ask him to show off one of his tricks for a cookie. See if the energy burst wanes, and make sure his exercise needs are being met.

Is there something he wants? Could he be asking for door opening service or demanding supper (perhaps he has mistaken you for his butler)? Request barking will stop as soon as he gets what he's after.

If he is attention-starved, perhaps he needs to misbehave to get time with you. Be sure to catch him being good and give him quality time every day. Teach him more polite ways of getting your attention, like sitting by the door to ask to go outside or bringing a toy to ask for playtime.

Finally, if you still can't stop the barking, he could be suffering from a compulsive disorder. Like people, dogs can have brain chemistry problems that, when combined with stress, result in repetitive behaviour such as nonstop barking. A specialized training program and medication are usually needed to treat this condition.

Barking problems can usually be managed when the cause is known, and even deaf dogs can be trained with sign language! ■

Jennifer Messer is a veterinarian working in small animal practice in Preston, ON. She has a honours BA in psychology from McGill University and a DVM from the Ontario Veterinary College, and is curriculum consultant for Montessaurus Puppy School.