Is your dog’s excessive barking driving your neighbours nuts? Dogs bark for a variety of reasons. Dogs don't bark just because they can (though it might seem that way at times). They don't bark just to annoy you and your neighbours, nor do they bark for spite or revenge.
Certain dog breeds have a tendency to bark more than others. In fact, some types of dogs were actually bred to be barkers. This may be so they could alert people about danger, protect homes, or even scare prey out of hiding for hunters. But excessive barking can be a huge problem and is extremely annoying. Can CBD oil can help reduce your dog’s excessive barking? Yes, it can. Here’s what you need to know.
Why do dogs bark?
There are a lot of reasons dogs bark since it’s one of the main ways they communicate with each other and their humans. Listen closely, and you'll be able to hear your dog's different barks. Then, you may be able to figure out what each bark means. The first step towards controlling the behaviour is to understand why your dog is barking. Here are a few of the most common reasons that dogs bark:
Feeling territorial or protective. Dogs are barking to warn that they own this area or person and they may even attack if they feel that their territory or person are being threatened. Dogs that are being territorial will often bark louder as the threat gets closer and will look alert and even aggressive.
Alarm or fear. Just as you may yell when you are startled or afraid, your dog may bark to express these emotions. Most dogs who are perceived as aggressive are actually afraid or anxious and don’t have a better way of expressing those emotions. Anxious barking often seems to be an act of self-soothing for many dogs. It is often high-pitched and sometimes accompanied by whining. This type of barking is common for dogs with separation anxiety, fears and phobias, or other types of anxiety.
Boredom or loneliness. Dogs are pack animals. If they are left alone for long periods, whether in the house or garden, they can become bored or sad and often will bark because they are unhappy.
Playfulness. Sometimes dogs will bark when they are feeling playful or they see a friend they enjoy playing with. This type of barking is usually accompanied by happy body language such as a wagging tail.
Wanting attention. Dogs will bark to let their human know that they want something such as to be fed or let outside. When you hear this bark, you will usually know just what it means. This bark says "Hey! Hey! Look! Here I am!" Other dogs may whine and bark together to get attention, almost like the tone of a whining child.
Responding to other dogs. This is a familiar scenario. One dog down the street starts barking, and one by one the rest of your block joins in. It sounds like a cacophonous rendition of Row Your Boat.
Separation anxiety. Some dogs become absolutely panicked when they are left alone. On top of barking incessantly, they may become destructive, and start chewing furniture, shoes or any of your favourite things. They may also make repetitive movements, such as running in circles or along a fence.
Health problems. If none of these reasons seem to fit your dog, he may be experiencing a health problem. If you suspect this is the case, please take him to the vet for a check up.
How can CBD oil help reduce excessive barking?
CBD oil won’t prevent a dog who’s just feeling playful from barking (and this really isn't a problem!), but there are several causes of barking that CAN be addressed by CBD oil. In particular, anxiety and aggression can be helped greatly by CBD oil. After all, many types of aggression in dogs are fueled by anxiety, and the calming qualities of CBD oil can help relieve stress and anxiety. Also, a dog in a high state of anxiety will have a very difficult time learning not to bark.
The endocannabinoid system is a bridge between the body and mind, so as the CBD oil affects the endocannabinoid receptors in your dog’s body, it also helps to calm his mind.
With reduced anxiety, your dog has less reason to bark excessively.
Gizzls CBD Dog Treats give your dog relief from stress, anxiety, separation anxiety, fear and aggression.
A few tips to remember as you start your efforts to control your dog’s barking.
Shouting stimulates your dog to bark more because he/she thinks you’re joining in. So the first rule is to speak calmly and firmly, but don’t yell (as tempting as it may be!).
Most dogs don’t know what you want when you’re yelling at them to “shut up.” So train your dog to understand the word “Quiet!” said in a calm, firm voice. Never reward your dog while he’s barking. If he stops barking at the word “quiet” he gets a treat – and make it a delicious treat, such as Gizzls, to make it worth more than the barking!