Some dogs are particularly lively, so every time someone rings the bell or knocks, they bark as if their lives are in danger. Why do they do it and is there a way to stop it?
Dogs communicate and express themselves by barking. This is completely normal, and some species are specially bred to bark a lot. An example of this is hunting dogs that reveal to their owners where the catch is.
Behavioral scientist Dorit Federsen-Petersen speculates that dogs started barking during domestication because humans were also making sounds.
"Sounds produced by dogs are probably the most successful triggers for communication with humans because they ignore more subtle, visible expressions," she pointed out.
Unwanted barking is often learned subconsciously, adds behavioral biologist Žuljan Bauer.
For example, if the owner takes the leash, puts on a coat and walks towards the exit of the apartment, this is a clear sign for the dog to go for a walk.
"If the dog barks out of happiness, and the owner leaves the apartment with him, that's positive encouragement. Another time he might bark already when the owner goes to get the key," says Baeuer.
She advises that owners remain standing until the animal calms down and becomes quiet. "Only then should he leave home," he points out.
Unwanted barking is also encouraged when the dog is given food just to stop it. The same technique can be applied here: the dog only gets food when it stops barking.
Dogs that bark at the fence may be doing so because they are calling their humans. "It can be called the bark of separation," emphasizes Federsen-Petersen.
From a dog's perspective, such barking is understandable: they are very social creatures that live in packs and do not understand why the leader abandoned them, writes Hina.
"Dogs have to learn that people sometimes leave them alone, but always come back," said animal psychologist Angela Prus.
She recommends an exercise where you leave the room for a few seconds and then return to it. This is repeated several times a day, each time with a longer period of time. If the dog barks or whines, the owner must not return to the room, as this also encourages unwanted behavior.
Do some dogs bark even when their owner is near them?
German shepherd breeder Gerd Fels believes they do this because they are defending their territory or telling other dogs to stay away.
Owners in those cases should turn their attention to themselves. If the dog does not respond to the command to stop barking, it should be warned.
"If the dog looks at the owner or even comes to him, he should be praised, patted and rewarded," concludes Fels.
Bonus video:
