Barking, Barking, and MORE BARKING-Behavior Problems in Dogs
Dear Alex:
My husband has wanted a bull terrier ever since I can remember. I really would like for him to have one, so I’ve been researching this breed. I can’t seem to find out if this breed is a barker. I don’t want a dog that is going to bark at every little thing. If you could answer this for me, I would greatly appreciate it!
Gina R
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Dear Gina:
You are wise to do some research before acquiring a bull terrier—or any other breed for that matter. You would be making a purchase of a pet that would be with you every day for a decade or more. According to the Bull Terrier Club of America, bull terriers are active, interesting, playful, and clownish. Barking a lot is not listed as a typical characteristic, so when it comes to auditioning for a place in your home, that breed should work for you. The club secretary, Marilyn Sibley, tells me that if a bull terrier barks, something is amiss! She claims they are not “yappy” dogs, and although their appearance might be off-putting, they are usually very friendly and will show intruders all through the house, stopping at all the toys and treats along the way.
If you have had a pet before that barked excessively, you should be aware that your actions and reactions to barking are probably much more important than the breed you select. There are many reasons that dogs bark, but only a few that seem to cause incessant, troublesome barking. It is thought that there are about 39 different meanings that dogs can convey by barking, whimpering or growling. You, as an owner, need to be aware of the things you do that might encourage barking, so you can eliminate that from your own behavior. A good example is the owner who tells his dog to “Shut up!” when he barks. To a dog, that shouting sounds like a human barking also. So the dog thinks, “Oh goody goody. They are joining in the fun.” And then they bark even more. Another frequent example is a person walking by your home. When your dog barks as the person continues his journey down the street until he gets out of sight, your dog may think he has chased the person off. A dog’s natural tendency is to chase other animals or people as they are going away, and if they can’t do that, at least they can chase them off by barking. At least that’s what probably is going through a barking dog’s mind. Even another example is the dog that barks when the owner leaves. Such a pet may think he is calling his owner back, because as a puppy, when he barked or howled or cried, the owner paid attention to him. As a result, he may once again be wanting attention because he knows that barking is one way to get it.
So, it all starts with proper socialization. When you get your puppy, he will quickly learn not to bark for attention if you simply get up and leave the room or turn your back when he barks. Most people do the opposite and thereby promote barking behavior. Positive reinforcement works also. Reward and praise your dog when he is quiet in a situation that normally might provoke a barking response. Such positive reinforcement will encourage quiet behavior.
Lastly, there is no such thing as the perfect dog. Be sure you check out other bull terrier characteristics also. The Bull Terrier Club of America’s website, www.btca.com is a good source. Often, certain breeds have characteristics that can be absolutely charming to one family and absolutely annoying to another. Bull terriers are no exception to that rule.
Larry Baker, for Ask Alex