Welcome to my series where I answer the most frequently asked questions.
Without a doubt, Maltipoos do bark. It's their way of communicating with us, but it doesn't need to be excessive and is usually pretty simple to resolve. Let's delve deeper into why Maltipoos bark, how to prevent excessive barking, and ways to address barking effectively.
Why Do Dogs Bark?
Each breed possesses distinct inherited traits from its parent breeds. Breeds with strong protective instincts tend to be more territorial and may be inclined to bark when someone new approaches. While highly intelligent breeds are inclined to bark when bored. Companion breeds, on the other hand, are more likely to bark when seeking interaction. Explore the following list to understand some of the common reasons why dogs bark.
Expressing feelings: Dogs bark to show how they feel, such as when they're excited, frustrated, bored, or scared.
Seeking attention: Dogs bark to get your attention or to alert you to something.
Distress: Dogs bark when they're in distress, such as when they're left alone or feel threatened. Fearful or distressed dogs may bark in a high-pitched, repetitive tone.
Territorial: Dogs bark fiercely or growl to signal that they feel threatened, are being territorial, or want to be left alone.
Separation anxiety: Dogs may bark at night if they have separation anxiety and feel lonely.
Boredom: Dogs may bark if they're bored or don't have enough mental stimulation.
Environment: Dogs may bark in response to a new environment or hear a new or disruptive, sudden, or startling sound.
What Do I Do When My Maltipoos Bark?
I go through a set of questions to ensure that my dogs needs are met. Dogs express themselves through barking. Instead of telling them to stop, reflect on the question "What is my dog trying to tell me". This approach enables us to tackle the underlying issue rather than just the outward behavior. Here are a few factors to take into account:
Are they trying to express a feeling?
Are they play barking?
Are they bored or do they need attention?
Are they trying to alert me to something or tell me they need something? Examples of this could be: Are they out of water? Did they get distracted during their last meal and now they are hungry? Is there a bird on the lawn and they want to say hello? Are they happy I'm home?
Consider the puppy's age
When puppies are in their "teenage phase" and nearing maturity, it's common for them to bark seemingly without reason. Maltipoos typically go through this phase around 6-9 months of age. I liken this behavior to a teenager blasting their music loudly. Fortunately, this is usually a passing phase, and things will return to normal within a few months. However, consulting with a trainer can provide valuable insights and strategies to help navigate this period successfully.
Barking at Ghosts
When dogs stare into space and bark for no reason, it's often referred to as barking at ghosts due to the lack of a clear explanation for this behavior. In my experience, as long as it remains an isolated incident and not the beginning of nuisance barking, I redirect my dogs' attention to something else.
Consider Their Parent Breed Traits
Maltese have excellent hearing. Often playing whitenose helps them relax if a sound is bothering them. It's almost Independence Day, and at night, when people are lighting their fireworks, I'm playing the sounds of fireworks on YouTube. By providing a consistent background of sound, my dogs remain undisturbed by sudden firework explosions. This strategy can be effectively applied to various noises like lawnmowers, birds chirping, sirens, and construction sounds. Instead of fighting against the noise, simply enhance it with more of the same sound. I don't know why this works, but in my experience it always does.
Poodles are known for their high intelligence and propensity to become bored quickly. To prevent boredom in your Maltipoo, consider offering puzzle toys such as a snuffle mat. Going for a walk is wonderful and beneficial for your Maltipoo, but keep in mind you may end up carrying your puppy home.
Another important aspect to keep in mind about both Maltipoo Parent Breeds is that they are companion animals that thrive with human interaction. Your Maltipoo might require more attention from you, which is truly delightful and likely one of the reasons you chose to have a Maltipoo in the first place. So cuddle up with your pup and spend some time together.
What is the difference between nuisance barking and normal barking?
Like children yelling when they play, barking is a normal part of owning a dog. But sometimes normal barking can become nuisance barking. Nuisance Barking, or continual barking for long periods, repeated over multiple days, is a sign that your dog has a problem that needs to be addressed. My recommendation when you first start to notice this barking is to seek the help of a trainer immediately.
I hope you found this information helpful. Please tell me in the comments what topics you would like me to address next.
Have a great day!
Barbie
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