All dogs bark. When you are a dog owner, it is a fact of life. However, there is such a thing as excessive barking. Even when it isn’t excessive, the barking of Labrador retriever dogs can be irritating to the owners, as well as to those who live nearby. There are some things you can do to discourage a barking Labrador retriever; however, it is often just as important to understand why your Labrador is barking rather than just trying to use deterrents.
Warning Barks
Labrador retriever dogs make good watch dogs. They are always barking when they seem someone walk by outside or even when they see an animal wandering through the yard. While this can seem annoying when you are sitting around, trying to watch TV or just get some peace, you would be thankful if your Labrador alerted you that someone was lurking outside. Therefore, it is important not to train your dog not to bark when someone who doesn’t belong is on your property.
Emotional Barks
Because Labrador retriever dogs can’t talk to you, they use barking to let you know how they are feeling. Some dogs bark when they are afraid or anxious. Others will bark when you leave them alone because they miss you. Still others will bark because they can’t think of anything better to do. In general, this type of barking is normal, but barks that portray emotion can be curbed with bark control methods. However, it is important to realize that your dog will bark some of the time.
Habit Barks
Some Labrador retriever dogs simply bark because it has become a habit for them. These are the dogs where it is most important to help the dog learn when it is appropriate to bark and when it isn’t. When your dog is barking for no reason at all and you can’t stop it, this is when it can become a problem for you and your neighbors. If the barking truly becomes a serious problem, you may want to try using a humane bark collar or seeking the help of a professional to train your dog not to bark so much.
When you have a dog, you need to learn to expect a little barking every now and then. Some of those barks are beneficial to both you and your pet. After all, you wouldn’t be able to communicate very well if someone told you not to talk ever again. The same goes for Labrador retriever dogs. Therefore, it is important to be able to differentiate between habitual barking and barking that serves a purpose.
