The biggest problem with dog barking is not the barking itself; it is the length of time that the dog continues to bark that becomes the issue. Most dog owner's expect their pet to bark a couple of times to let them know if someone is approaching the house or to defend their territory and property. What neighbors don't want is the barking to go on for more than a couple of barks, especially if it is late at night or early in the morning.

There are some techniques to use that will help curb or curtail your dog's bad barking behaviors without using harsh punishment or endless yelling. Often a dog simply barks when it is bored or wants a bit more attention. If you find that your dog only barks like this when you are gone or when the dog is left alone outside, it is probably barking for attention. While yelling out the door or the window may be your first response, this actually provides the dog with just the attention he or she has been seeking and will actually reinforce the barking behavior that you don't want. Try spending more time with the dog when it is not barking, and maybe consider taking the dog into the house if the barking only occurs at night. Dogs need to feel part of the family or "pack" to end this bothersome behavior.

If taking the dog into the house at night is not an option or if your dog only barks when you are away from the house you have a few strategies to try. If the dog is barking from boredom consider the following tips:

• Exercise the dog moderately before leaving it alone, or intensely a bit before leaving him or her alone. Try a long twenty to thirty minute brisk walk or even a jog. If your dog is well trained and socialized you may also want to take the dog to an off leash park and allow him or her to run and play with other dogs before they are left alone. A good game of fetch or tag is also a great way to provide exercise. A dog that is well exercised before being left alone is more likely to rest and sleep while you are away and not be as prone to barking. I always say that a tired dog is a good dog.

• Provide a good, safe chew toy, joint type bone or a fill a Kong toy with all natural peanut butter (or another kind of healthy filler) to keep your dog occupied while you are away. (Freezing the kong with the filler inside prior to leaving makes them last even longer!) Only use very large knuckle or joint bones and remove them when they are small to avoid choking hazards or the bone lodging in the dog's mouth. I also do not recommend giving a bone to your dog if you aren't certain what kind of chewer they are. You must be positive that the toy/bone does not pose a threat to your dog, if you have a doubt then stick to a kong as they withstand even the toughest chewers.

• Have lots of toys for the dog to play with while you are gone. Distractions are great and many dogs will self-exercise if they have a ball or a toy to chase and play with.

• Work with your dog on being quiet while you are home. Praise for a quick bark and then silence when people approach the house or yard.

• Work with your dog, take up agility, do training drills. Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise. A mentally exercised dog not only becomes more intelligent, but also tends to be more relaxed and content.

If these strategies don't work you may wish to consider a spray collar. These are usually safe and non-harmful and release a spray of water or citronella into the face of the dog when they bark. (I do not recommend the citronella collars for a dog with allergies.) The vibration of the vocal cords triggers the spray when the dog barks. Since the spray collars inflict no pain or have any type of shock or other potentially dangerous punishment device they are usually safe to use even when you are not home.

Brought to you by Christina Harvey of www.IHeartPaws.com and Kelly Marshall of www.OhMyDogSupplies.com

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