The family dog has only a few ways of communication his intentions or ideas. Aside from whining, howling, and growling, he can bark. The problem is, your pooch's barking as a means of expressing himself can leave you, your family, and your neighbors, feeling rattled. If he does it excessively, it can quickly become a problem.

Despite the annoyance of excessive barking, most of us want our canines to warn us of intruders or imminent danger. The challenge is to find a balance. Below, we'll take a closer look at the most common reasons dogs bark. By understanding the catalysts, you'll find it easier to influence - and curb - the behavior.

A Warning Of Potential Danger

You'll remember from past articles that canines are territorial by nature. Your dog views you as his pack leader, and your home as the pack's territory. This is the reason he barks when someone knocks at your door or rings your doorbell. He is alerting you that someone (i.e. a possible intruder) is nearby.

In the event that you have left him home alone, he will appoint himself as guardian of his pack's territory. If someone approaches, he will bark to let them know he is willing to protect what is his.

Anxiety Or Excitement

A lot of canines suffer from separation anxiety and will start barking when their owners leave them behind. Their bark is often accompanied with a whine. In other cases, dogs bark while they're playing with their owners, other people, and other pets. This is most common with pups because they're easily excitable.

When He Wants Your Attention

Your pooch loves your attention, and he'll go to great lengths in order to get it. While some canines are content to sit near their owners, others will bark as if to say, "Hey! Pay attention to me."

Your dog might bark at you for a number of reasons. For example, he may want you to let him out, play with him, or even pet him. He might also bark excitedly when he knows you're about to take him on a walk.

How To Curb Excessive Barking

A positive approach that rewards good behavior is far more effective than punishing your dog for unacceptable behavior. First, make sure he has an outlet for daily exercise. Two walks each day should be sufficient for helping him expend his pent-up energy.

Second, avoid petting him while he is barking. That sends him the message that you find his behavior acceptable, and are rewarding him for it. Instead, require him to "sit" or "stay" and give him a treat when he has stopped barking. He'll gradually make the connection that his silence is likely to earn him a treat.

Third, if you can identify a perceived threat that is causing your canine to bark, try to desensitize him to it. For example, allow him to greet friends who visit your home, so he understands that a knock on your door does not necessarily represent a danger. Also, take him to a park where he can grow accustomed to passersby and their pets.

Your dog's excessive barking will eventually become annoying to you and your neighbors. Once you determine why your pooch is doing it, you can take measures to slowly modify the behavior.