Barking is a natural behaviour for any dog, it’s a means of expressing themselves and communicating with you. Expecting a dog to never bark is unreasonable, much like expecting humans never to talk. The key to achieving a peaceful household is to understand what your dog is trying to tell you and then work together to find a solution that benefits both you and the neighbourhood!
It would be impossible to list every single reason that your dog may be barking, just like large variety of reasons we communicate to each other. It’s important to look at the dog’s behaviour as a whole to gather a true understanding of what your dog is trying to tell you. The underlying emotions behind the barking can usually be grouped into the following examples.
Once you recognise what your dog is trying to tell you, you can work on managing the barking. Again, make sure your expectations are realistic and that the underlying emotions are addressed. To manage problematic barking, the process is as follows:
This approach focuses on the WHY of your dog barking and teaches your dog to feel safe and calm in your home. Patience and understanding will help you to have a quieter household and a great relationship with your greyhound.