How To Control Spaniel Barking - Is It A Problem In Your Home?

Do you have a problem with springer spaniel barking in your home? These great dogs are not noted for having barking problems, though they can get excited at times. You do need your dog to bark when there's an intruder, or with pleasure when the kids get in from school, and of course, when nature calls! But annoying the neighbours? No, you really don't want that.

There are several solutions to the problem, depending on why they bark. Knowing why might help you find the best solution. Do remember, though, that dogs bark as we talk. I bet that even you talk to yourself on occasion when by yourself! I do, anyway.

Reasons

Besides communication with other dogs (and you), other reasons are::

- hunger

- loneliness

- fear

- boredom

- defence

- offence

- warning

The key thing is that you need them to bark under certain conditions only, and you want them to be quiet when you tell them.

We'll assume that

1. Your dog is checked regularly when you groom her (or him).

2. That your dog gets checked annually by the vet.

3. That the dog's normal living space is at the right temperature.

4. That he gets enough exercise to keep him relatively healthy and tired and enough 'relief' opportunities (or has a litter tray in the home when you are at work).

5. That in fact you do not have lots of strangers knocking the door, and that there are not a lot of foxes or badgers in your garden (get the idea)?

Does your springer only cause a problem when he's on his own, and the neighbours complain about it? If he's not messing in the house then the reason could be loneliness.

Dogs do suffer from poor hearing, even deafness , and it's important to make sure that your springer's ears are clean. After all, he might not hear you telling him to stop barking.

Is the problem new?

If your dog was ok before, but is now a problem, then that is a signal that something has changed - it could be his health or age, it could be that your daughter (he's been her favourite) now has her first boyfriend visit and he's jealous.

Have you changed her diet? Moved home? Bought him a new dog basket?

So, does he have anything to moan about - because they are smart dogs and they will complain if they are not happy. One of my springers didn't bark when he was unhappy or I scolded him - he grunted just like an old man.

What's the Answer?

OK, so you've worked through all the obvious possibilities. Maybe your springer spaniel is now 8 months old and the barking problem continues. Training is going well, the dog is now obeying the basic commands and walking to heel, you have maybe started the 'fetch' training, yet the excessive barking persists.

Maybe you've got a rescue dog and not a pup. He might have had a tough life so far. Did you ask the staff at the rescue centre if he barked excessively? It's not always a sure guide, as there's nearly always a lot of barking at these centres - the staff have little control over dogs arriving at their gates.

There are always solutions to the barking problem (depending on the reason), but first of all, don't reinforce the bad behaviour. If the dog barks, then don't give her a cuddle or pat her telling her to be quiet.

Some people favour electric collars - that's an old Pavlovian approach and not in keeping with best practice. The key to curing is understanding, and if you've checked the problem from all angles without success, then you might benefit from professional advice.

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