How can pet parents curb nuisance barking?
Dogs bark for a variety of reasons including boredom, to alert you to changes in the environment (danger!), and to communicate with you and other dogs. Identifying what is causing your dog’s barking will help you determine the best plan for your dog. For boredom, find a balance between low-intensity and high-intensity exercise. If all your dog does is chase a ball all day, provide daily opportunities for calm sniff walks. Follow your dog on a 10 to 15 foot leash and let their nose lead the way. For alert barking, rearrange furniture or cover windows to prevent them from “window watching” and barking at people all day. You can reduce alert barking by playing white noise, music, or setting up a few fans near exterior windows. Dog’s will bark at you to get attention or their needs met. Look for and reinforce other communication attempts (our puppy Tula sits quietly at the door when she needs to go out) and ignore when your dog barks at you for attention. Reinforce relaxation. Keep treats in dishes around the house, and anytime you notice your dog is relaxing and quiet, walk up and give them a treat.
What are the pros and cons of crate training a dog?
Crate training is useful for many things including keeping your dog or puppy safe when you can’t supervise them (while they are in training). A crate is the safest place for your dog to travel in the car. If you want to train and compete in dog sports, having a dog who will relax quietly in a crate is key. A crate is important for vet visits. If your dog has to have surgery, they will likely be confined to a crate or kennel. Many doggie daycares or boarding facilities use crates.
Every dog is different and some dogs hate being confined while others love having their own personal space. If your dog runs the other way when you ask them to go into their crate, ask yourself if you absolutely need your dog to go into a crate. If the answer is yes, you might need some professional help to undo the negative feelings your dog already has. If not, you might just need to create a safe space for your dog.
A safe space is a place where your dog already loves spending time. My dog’s safe space is my bedroom (where they love to sleep), and a strategically placed baby gate allows me to send them there when guests arrive to prevent jumping at the door. A safe space is useful for preventing barking, jumping, or over enthusiasm when guests arrive. Keep a jar full of your dog’s favorite chews and save them for when guests arrive. The moment your guests knock on the door, tell your dog “our friends are here” and then walk them to their safe space, give them their favorite chew, close the gate, and go attend to your guests. You can also use a safe space when you are training a new dog. Remove items you do not want them to chew, provide a potty spot like sod (if they are a puppy), and place food, water, and some favorite toys in the safe space. Associate their safe space with good things like meal time, a favorite chew, or nap time.
Jen Biglan, KPA CTP, is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Licensed Family Dog Mediator, and a member of the Karen Pryor Academy faculty. An Oregon native, in 2016, Jen and her business partner Tera Dschaak-James launched Training Spot, a 4,500-square-foot facility dedicated to community education, positive force-free training, and improving the lives of dogs and their families.
Training Spot, 541-357-7387, trainingspot.us
