Decode Before You Correct

Every bark has a function. Alert barking is short, sharp bursts directed at a stimulus — someone at the door, a noise outside. Demand barking is repetitive and directed at you — the dog wants food, play, or attention.

Treating all barking the same way is like treating every headache with the same pill. An alert barker needs acknowledgment and redirection. A demand barker needs to learn that barking produces nothing. An anxiety barker needs the underlying fear addressed.