Our dogs only have very limited ways of communicating with us.
Barking is one of the best ways they can get our attention. But unfortunately, we can’t understand this language. We’re often left thinking about what they need, and they end up barking all the more.
Not understanding their needs can lead to excessive barking, and with it comes several disadvantages. If you own a pug that seems to bark too often, you’d often think of what to do if a pug will not stop barking. This article will tackle this issue and help fix it.
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Excessive Barking
Barking is normal for even the quietest breeds, but it can also be a problem. Imagine your pug barking at three in the morning when everyone is asleep. Their loud bark can wake up everyone in the house and the whole neighborhood.
As a pet owner, you’re responsible for most of your dog’s action. That said, waking up the whole neighborhood is not the best idea.
But excessive barking can happen anytime—not just at night. This can happen even when you’re in the house with them in broad daylight. Or even when you’ve just fed them food.
It becomes a behavioral problem that you have to fix as soon as possible.
Why Does Your Pug Keep on Barking?
Before we can fix the problem, we have to know the root cause. Here are the main reasons why your dogs bark in the first place. These may also be the reason behind their excessive barking.
Your Pug Wants Something
The first reason why your dog barks is because it wants something. It can either be they demand food, walks, playtime, or simply seek your attention. If they bark because they want something, you’ll know it immediately.
Dr. Kristina Spaulding, an animal behaviorist, says demanding barks are distinct. These are often shorter—either single barks or a series in quick succession. Your pug will also look at you or the thing it wants.
As Spaulding puts it, the barks are more controlled.
You can give in and give them what they want. Or you can walk away. But how you react can elicit an excessive barking behavior.
Giving in to what they want can trigger your pug to start barking and demand more. Once it gets the idea that barking will give it what it wants, it will bark again. But that doesn’t mean you should always ignore your dog and walk away.
If you’re willing to give your canine friend what it wants, do it after the first or second bark. The longer your pet waits, the whinier it gets. Your pug will feel like it has to bark more in order for it to get what it wants.
This can also elicit the same behavioral problem.
Alarm
Your pug also tends to bark when it’s alarmed. Something may have caught its attention, and it may bark at it.
It can become excessive when you ignore this behavior. You can stop this by diverting its attention.
For example, your pug will bark wildly when it hears the doorbell. If it rings, give your dog its favorite toy and steer it away from the door. You can also train it to find its safe spot when the doorbell rings.
Hiring a professional trainer can make this task easier for you.
Fear/Anxiety
Excessive barking is often triggered by fear or anxiety. It can happen when your pug sees you leaving the house. Or if there are loud noises outside that terrifies it.
Oftentimes, barking that comes from fear or anxiety can also cause aggression. Your dog may lunge at a cat or another dog that it sees on the street. It might even be destructive and chew on things to deal with the anxiety.
You’ll know your pug is afraid when its ears are back on its head and its tail is low. It will try to be as small as possible. Being aggressive may also be common to scare away things that frighten your pet.
Excited/Playful
Pugs can be crazy when they’re excited or wanted to play. Apart from being energetic, your adorable friend will accompany its gestures with too much barking.
Your pug will not be afraid to lunge at things and people when it’s excited. You will also know it’s in a good mood when it’s wagging its tail vigorously. Another playful act would be running around.
Playful barking can become excessive. But you can stop this behavior by training your pug. Or ignore it and walk away.
Territorial
You might not think of your pug as the watchdog you need. But it can be territorial and may bark excessively when it feels threatened. It could bark at strangers, especially mail and delivery men.
Besides training your dog to be more social, obedience training is also good. You can teach your furry friend the command “hush” or “stop.” Or you can also block its view and move it away to prevent barking.
Pugs may be small, but they have big personalities. Sometimes, it can be problematic, especially when they can’t stop barking. But training your dog can help solve many problems, including excessive barking.
