by KYW's Nan Talleno
Dogs communicate in many ways including scent, body language, howling and barking.
Barking is a purely natural form of communication and has various meanings. It can signify a warning, a greeting and even excitement. But when a dog barks excessively, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Excessive barking can indicate fear, stress, loneliness, frustration and boredom.
Always check to make sure your dog’s basic needs are met with plenty of food and fresh water. See that he/she has been walked after meals and sufficiently let out at various times throughout the day. Make sure that your dog always has shelter and is not left outside all day long.
Ask yourself: are the proper chew toys provided to keep your dog occupied? Does your dog receive enough socialization? Is he/she isolated? How does your dog react to other dogs and people? And most importantly is your dog getting enough daily exercise with a good walk each day that provides mental stimulation as well as physical exercise? Find time to spend quality time playing and working with your dog to learn something new each day.
Remember, never punish your dog for what comes naturally, just take a moment to try to determine WHY your dog may be barking so much. Your dog can always be redirected to more appropriate behavior.
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