Incessant dog barking is an annoying and nuisance behavior that needs to be curbed at early stages. Other than natural reasons there are situations when they bark for no apparent cause. Understanding the reasons for barking is an essential first step in dealing with this problem.

Why do dogs bark? Barking is a natural doggy behavior to convey their moods to you, to get your attention and to show their excitement. It is more than mere noise and linking the vocalization to their postures, tail movements and the facial aspects gives a true picture of what they are trying to talk to you.

Here are some of the situations where the bark along with body language conveys various meaning. Snarling and growling with tail up and rapid wags shows he is in aggression. Yelping and growling with tail behind the legs shows he is in fear or submission. A low gruff bark progressively increasing to a loud bark when he senses somebody is near the house and so on.

Once you know what triggers the barking then putting a fix is an easy task. Reasons for barking fall into two main categories - Basic behavior problem and situations and circumstances contributing to the barking. Barking on instinct is natural and should not be restrained.

Now, let's see ways to stop your dog's problem barking which is repetitive and annoying:

* Teaching your dog what is an acceptable behavior and what is not should be the first in your dog behavior training. Barking constantly in an attempt to get your attention and forcing you to submit to his needs is not good. Just to stop him from barking if you give a treat or play then you are encouraging him to bark even more in the future. Just walk away from him and don't even look at him. He may be confused and bark harder at first but by consistently reinforcing this you will have better control over this behavior.

* Divert his attention whenever he barks. Use "quiet" or "enough" or whatever word you want to use to divert him when he barks. Use the same word all the time not to confuse him. When he obeys to your command and stop barking, reward him with a treat and praise him immediately. He starts to associate treat and praise with the command you use and learn to be quiet.

* When your dog feels dominant he will simply ignore any of your commands. He needs to be taught at earlier stage before he becomes teen the hierarchy of the household. He has to learn that he is below every member in the household. Dogs behave well under a leadership and form a good relationship based on trust and regard.

* Another reason for constant barking is boredom. Dogs are social animals and need constant interaction with fellow humans. They will be on the edge without these and let out their stress through barking. Interactive play with your dog like throwing and fetching the ball and a long walk will help.

* Loneliness and separation anxiety are other causes of constant barking. They bark in an effort to get out of their confinement when left alone. Vigorous exercise before you leave will make him sleep when you are away and with chewy toys and items around will keep him busy till you return.

Bark aka shock collar use to stop dog barking is not human and has long-term psychological implications. Conditioning with praise and reward is the most compassionate approach to any dog behavior problem.