Pet Safety Blog

There was an article in last week’s local paper of a man taping the mouth closed on his 4-month-old Beagle puppy because it wouldn’t stop barking and chewing things up in his apartment. The puppy suffocated, which is enough to make a pet lover sick to their stomach. What’s wrong with this world of ours?  There is a reason for everything.  Dogs do what they think they are suppose to do, and if a human wants to have a dog, they need to know that there is love, patience, and training involved.  If they don’t know that, don’t get a dog.  I know that some dogs bark more than others, but punishment is definitely not the answer. When barking starts for no reason, then that’s when you must be firm in correcting this so called habit, but in correcting the dog from barking you must be there when it occurs, otherwise the pet parent will be unsuccessful. There is also a possibility that genetics are involved, which is why some dogs bark more than others.

Dogs that want attention will bark  to communicate with the world as if to say, “OK, here I am you lucky people.” Being bored or lonely, will allow the dog to protest against them being left along during the day if the pet parent works. Barking can also be a notification of someone that is intruding and by barking, is their warning sign. Some pet parents prefer getting involved with training by using dog crates or dog kennels during the day, and have found it to be very successful. Turn the radio on, dogs love music and it helps them to feel that they are not alone.  Always tell your dog that they are a “good boy, or a good girl” when they do something right.  Everyone loves that compliment, even our best friend.  Be Happy!