FURTHER CONSIDERATION ASSOCIATED WITH THE OVERZEALOUS BARKER

I recognize that an inordinate amount of time and column space are being expended on this subject of dogs which are excessive barkers. Bear with us. If you ever had to endure sleepless nights, or days when you thought you would go crazy because of relentless canine barking, or if you are the owner of a pet dog whose unceasing barking seems beyond your control, and this is leading towards acrimony between yourself and neighbours, then it becomes understandable that all possible practical solutions must be attempted until success is achieved; not lastly because the condition could inexorably lead to – horror of horrors – the sad finale of straying the dog, a fatal attack on your dog from an angry neighbour, or even euthanasia.
Last week, we mentioned that once the cause of the problem is accurately identified, the caregiver is on his/her way to fully instituting the antidote for the incessant barking. For example, if the abnormal barking stems from a continuous imprisonment of the dog in a kennel, or the semi-permanent tying of the animal to a stake in the yard, then the problem can, in all likelihood, be resolved by:
* Just taking the leashed dog for frequent walks;
* Giving the dog opportunities to run around and play in the yard;
* Taking the dog for drives;
* Allowing the dog to accompany the caregiver on his/her bicycle rides;

Taking the dog for drives
I emhasise that the walk/bike trips must not be for long distances, and must be done at a fast pace. Take some water with you to rehydrate your dog, especially if you notice it panting.
Last week I mentioned that pet toys that rouse the dog’s natural curiosity could also provide hours of distraction and exercise (particularly for dogs kept indoors).
If the barking has become pathological, then the anxiety state that has led to the abnormal vocalization must be treated by the dog’s caregiver, preferably under advice of a veterinarian or a competent and reliable source of knowledge (an advisory) dealing specifically with this barking problematic.
The following represents a partial summary of the advice documented in the previous two “Pet Care” columns and an extract from an advisory suggested by Cote and Cohn on the overzealous barking phenomenon:
* Identify triggers, and limit exposure to them whenever possible.
* When barking occurs, redirect the dog’s attention and activity to alternative behaviours (play, relaxation), and reward for compliance: use a leash or head collar if necessary; reward all decreases in barking.
* A neutral distraction (e.g., bouncing ball/toy, playing music, allowing the animal to watch television) may be used for interrupting the behaviour, followed by positive engagement in a different, non-barking-related undertaking that can be rewarded.
* Treatment with psychotropic medication is appropriate only if barking is a manifestation of a behavioural disorder (e.g., anxiety); consider referral to a behaviour specialist.
* Punishment, yelling, and use of shock collars should be avoided. Aversive and aggressive methodologies serve only to increase, rather than decrease, arousal, and may exacerbate the barking behaviour.
* Dogs should be taught to relax while making eye contact with the clients as a preferred default/substitute behaviour, when the dog encounters a situation about which it is anxious or unsure.
* Systematic desensitization can be used if the triggers can be identified and manipulated (e.g., Pet Tutor [https://smartanimaltraining.com]).
* As alternative alert should be taught, so the dog still signals information (e.g., sitting in a designated spot or in front of the clients).
I promise that we will shortly conclude this topic. It has been exhausting for both the writer and the caregiver, yet important enough for readers to request further knowledge, not lastly answers to questions relating to drug usage and interactions, possible complications, usage of shock collars; and yes, the success rate and prognosis.