Dogs bark for a number of reasons. It can be out of excitement when playing or to warn that an intruder is on the premises. This barking is perfectly normal and we humans expect it.

But when your dog continually barks, this can cause problems not only for your own household, but often creates tension within your neighborhood. Some cities and towns have noise ordinances and an incessantly barking dog may bring the police or animal control to your door issuing a warning or possibly a ticket. What to do?

First, isolate the cause of the excessive barking. Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is my dog lonely and frustrated so they’re seeking attention through their only voice-barking?

2. Is my dog left alone for long periods of time without toys, chews or other ways to keep them occupied?

3. Is my dog a puppy or adolescent (up to 3 years old) and has no other way to expel excess energy?

4. Is my dog a breed that needs a job to be happy (herding or sporting dog)?

If you think one of these is the cause of your dog’s relentless barking, there are options to help deter this unwanted behavior. Here are some suggestions for the lonely or bored dog:

1. Increase the amount and quality of time you spend with your dog by walking them every day for 20-30 minutes. Just a jaunt around the neighborhood often will help dispel some extra energy. It’s also an excellent way to begin or end the human work day.

2. Train your dog to fetch a ball or Frisbee and play with them for 10-15 minutes in the morning and in the evening. Get up a little earlier to help your dog behave better.

3. Get your dog some busy toys where you can hide treats or freeze peanut butter inside to give them something to do while you’re away. Alternate the toys so your dog thinks they’re getting something new each day.

4. Spend 5-15 minutes petting, brushing or scratching your dog. This is also a great way to discover potential problems like bumps, sores or hot spots.

5. If possible, take your dog to work with you for part of the day. Take toys too.

6. Find a doggie day care and take them for the day. Often one time per week will help with boredom or loneliness.

7. Ask a friend, neighbor or family member to come by and take your dog on a walk, play for 10-15 minutes or just love on them.

8. Hire someone to walk your dog daily or a couple times per day. Often there’s a teenager who would love to walk your dog.

9. For herding or sporting dogs, they need a job or they become destructive

after working in veterinary clinics and animal emergency hospitals, miss rae began writing about dogs and how they enrich our lives. visit goodpoopy.com for all your dog’s needs from nutrition to what’s a dog emergency and much, much more.

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