Barking tips

A tired dog will not bark if it is resting or sleeping. Exercise will certainly help, as will providing plenty of mental stimulation.

Training: is a great mix of exercise and mental stimulation. There are many dog trainers in Cairns who offer formal training (in classes or one-on-one) which you can then practice at home. An internet search will also come up with online courses and videos that you can use to learn the basics.

Walking: a walk is great exercise but it also provides plenty of stimulation as your dog explores new places, sees new things and experiences new smells. If your dog is well socialised, they can also meet other dogs that are also out on a walk. Remember to always walk your dog on a lead, and never assume that other dogs and people you meet will want to make friends.

Dog parks: there are 51 off-leash areas in Cairns where your dog can socialise with other pets and really stretch their legs. Only take your dog to a dog park if they will return to you on command. Some dogs can be overwhelmed by a lot of other pets, people and noise, and become aggressive. If your pooch is anxious or gets scared easily the dog park may not be for you.

Play: you don’t need to leave your home to provide great physical and mental stimulation for your dog. There are great games your can play indoors and outdoors, such as fetch, tug-o-war, and hide and seek, using everyday items. There’s also plenty of games and toys available online or at your supermarket or pet shop.

Going for a drive: can be just as stimulating for your dog as a walk. Make sure to safely secure your pet.

Bored dogs will bark to get attention with the hope someone will help relieve their boredom. Here’s some simple ideas for keeping your dog entertained while you are away.

Food: dogs will gobble up food quickly, however a food toy that’s designed to make your pet ‘work’ for their meal will keep them occupied much longer. You can also create a hide and seek game, by scattering their food or treats around the yard. A meaty bone or doggy ice block (freezing a bone or treats in container filled with water or broth) are other easy options.

Toys: there is an extensive range of pet toys that are designed to stimulate your pet. Make sure to change your pet’s toys regularly so they don’t get tired of them. If your dog likes digging, you can create a digging heaven by burying some treats – a clam shell pool filled with dirt or sand is great for this.

You can make a lot pet toys and food toys cheaply or at no cost from items you have around the home, especially things that would normally go in the recycling bin. Search the internet for How To instructions.

Dogs are pack animals by nature and generally don’t like to be alone.

Perhaps you have a friend or family member who stop by during the day; consider hiring a dog walker for a mid-day or afternoon walk; or look into Doggy Daycare. A ‘play date’ with a friend or relative’s dog, will also help meet your pet’s social needs.

We value our dogs for their companionship, but they also provide security. It’s not surprising then that they will bark to ‘protect’ their home.

Protective barking, for instance barking at the postman, or people and other pets walking past the house, is quite natural. Barking is often short, but it can add up during the day to cause neighbourhood frustration.

Blocking your pet’s view of the street, for instance lining your fence with garden mesh or plastic, can help, or, if possible, keep your dog in the backyard, away from distractions.

The most common form of anxiety in dogs is separation anxiety – they don’t want to be away from their human family. They are also very clever and pick up habits and patterns quickly, allowing them to anticipate when you will be away.

Leave home without a fuss: when you make a big deal of leaving home (extra pats etc) your dog will become accustomed to the extra attention and associate this with an upcoming period of loneliness.

Vary your routine: dogs pick up patterns quickly. If you can, vary when you leave or return home to ‘break the cycle’.

Leave the radio on: some dogs respond well to the comforting sound of the radio or TV as it simulates someone being at home.

Get them used to being alone, even when you’re home: if your dog follows you everywhere, they will be distressed if you aren’t around. Give your dog ‘alone time’ at home, and get them used to being outside by themselves.

If your dog is suffering from another form of anxiety, you may need professional assistance from a dog behaviourist or your vet to identify the cause and treatment.