If your dog has a tendency to bark then it can be extremely annoying during the day. If you go out to work then you may have had complaints from the neighbours or find it difficult to get your dog to calm down when you get home. However, if your dog barks at night then you are probably not getting any sleep either. As such, it is essential to take measures to stop your dog barking sooner rather than later.

When faced with chronic barking during the night, you may want to take steps to stop your dogs chronic barking by preventing separation anxiety. This is obviously caused by leaving your dog alone in the dark. Many darks do not like this because of the unfamiliar surroundings. For example, if you have just been adopted or have come away from your mother and are plunged into darkness on your own then you may feel anxious and cared. That is just how your dog is feeling. However, there are certain things you can do to stop your dogs chronic barking and ease his or her nerves.

For example, to stop your dog barking, you could try using a nightlight and a radio. The nightlight will give him or her a little light for comfort and voices on the radio can give him or her a sense of not being alone. That way, it will encourage a little security and less barking as a result. You could also take your dog’s crate into your bedroom for the first few nights as he or she will know that you are close. You can then begin to move the crate away from your room gradually. Either way, it is important that you know that it will take time to stop your dog barking so the main thing is to be patient.
 

Housebreaking a Puppy: Consistency Is The Third Vital Factor

Consistency is the third vital factor in housebreaking a puppy. Consistency in schedule, in feeding habits, in praise and reward for proper behavior and in verbal reprimand when accidents occur, is of supreme importance.

Scolding occasionally for accidents but ignoring others, feeding at irregular intervals, lack of praise for soiling
on the dog's papers or in the yard – all will only serve to confuse and discourage your puppy. So be consistent
and have total awareness: your awareness of your puppy's whereabouts, his needs and urges, and his signals informing you of what's on his mind.
 

 

Puppy Training Begins with Selecting the Right Puppy

He won't be nearly as expensive as your new car and probably won't last as long as your home, but your new puppy is bound to be more a part of your everyday life than any other single acquisition you can imagine.

The handsome, healthy, well-mannered dog that you have adored on television, at the local dog show, or at your neighbor's house, did not get that way by accident. Rather, his care and upbringing were deliberate and well-planned in order to produce a rewarding companion and a focal point of pride within the family.

Know What You Are Getting Yourself Into

The owner who is truly compatible to his pet has surely spent some time thinking about what type of dog would be most suitable for his home, time limits, energy requirements, and purpose. Many breeds and mixed breeds can be too large, too energetic, or just plain too difficult to groom for the average owner.

To get the most pleasure from owning an animal, you should consider very carefully what you want most in a dog and how much time and effort you are willing to devote to his everyday care and upkeep.

If you are ready to take on any challenge, then great, simply choose any breed or any combination of breeds that you desire. However, if your time or willingness to cater to a dog is limited, give it some serious thought as to how much you can offer your new puppy when the fun period of puppyhood is over.

A full-grown Collie, English Sheepdog, Afghan Hound, or Poodle can be quite a chore to groom a yearly and the non-trained Irish Setter adolescents will surely wear out the otherwise placid dog owner to complete and utter exhaustion. Likewise, Your average Italian Greyhound is not suitable to protect a large country property nor can a mixed breed dog be shown in conformation or obedience competitions. So start off on the right foot by making the correct decision about what type of puppy to choose.

Take The Age Of The Pup Into Consideration

Age is an important factor in selecting a puppy. If the choice is up to you, try to bring your puppy home when he is exactly 8 weeks old. Studies have proven that this is the most ideal time for a pup to leave his dam and littermates in order to start a new relationship with a new human family.

Before a puppy is eight weeks old, he has not yet completed proper socialization with his canine peers and after that point, may develop too close an attachment to his littermates and dam, which can inhibit the strong bond that he could otherwise form with humans.

However, if the dog you are considering is not precisely 8 weeks old, and he has definitely stolen your heart, then of course do not pass up the opportunity to bring him home. Do keep in mind, however, that potential problems may come up with temperament or behavior and will require patience, extra love, and special handling later in time.