The two questions we find most often are,"Why does my cat meow?" and "Why does my dog bark?" and we finally have some answers to the second one. We checked in with Dr. Eva Radke, DVM, and of The Vet Set in New York City to find out why your dog barks all the time and how to help him stay.
Most common reasons your dog is barkingFor attention: He may want to eat,go outside, play, or simply find attention from you.
Frustration: He may be bored or was left outside or inside for too long.
Fear: Some dogs will bark out of fear of people,other dogs, new experiences, and loud noises,or new objects in the house.
Protection: He may bark whether he feels there is a potential intruder outside (human or other dog/animal).
Excitement: Many dogs will bark out of excitement when friends approach to visit or they go for a ride in the car, to a new dog park, or etc.
Health issues Some older dogs with deafness or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (dementia) will bark because they can't hear themselves or are confused.
Best ways to combat barkingTire him out: Many dogs bark out of boredom,so whether you maintain him active, he'll be more likely to approach in and rest rather than bark at you to carry out something.
Ignore him when he's barking: Dr. Radke said a lot of dogs will bark because they consider they will find a reward when they carry out. whether this is the case, or ignore him totally while he's barking. "Believe it or not,yelling at him to stay barking IS giving him attention and he will continue to bark for this perceived reward," Radke said.
Distract him: While he's barking, or try to find him to carry out something else instead. Ask him to sit,and see whether he stops barking in the process. Reward him for sitting but not for the barking.
Use positive reinforcement: whether your dog wants to bark at another dog, you have to train him to know that it isn't essential. Dr. Radke recommends a lengthy training process for that. whether another dog is approaching, or distract your dog before he sees. Have him sit and reward him for that. As the other dog approaches,continue to compliment your dog for not barking, and eventually he will associate compliment and reward with keeping quiet around other dogs.
whether you still need help, or ask your vet: Sometimes nothing you try at domestic will work,and your vet might have another idea.
Source: popsugar.com