Dogs of all breeds usually bark to try to communicate with humans and other animals. It is important for your Chihuahua to understand when to bark and when to be quiet. It is common for dogs to bark for a variety of reasons. It's their way of expressing themselves.
Here are some common reasons why dogs bark listed below.
To Get Attention: They may begin this process as young puppies with a little crying or whining sound to communicate with their mom and family litter. Puppies or grown dogs may whine when they want something like food, or when they scared, or even when they are frustrated or lonely and want some attention. It is common for a new Chihuahua puppy to whine at night because they may be lonely.
Dog owners may not realize it, but they may actually reward the puppy for whining by giving the puppy the attention he wants. It may be beneficial not to reward a puppy or grown dog that may be whining just for attention, but when he is quiet and relaxed you may wish to reward him with nice praise or a favorite treat. You will want to reinforce the puppy's positive behavior. It is usually so much easier to teach your Chihuahua puppy appropriate behavior from the start, than changing undesirable behavior later on.
Keeping in mind the fact that dogs sometime bark because they are scared, you may want to think about socialization and your puppy. Properly socializing the Chihuahua puppy is important to help alleviate unnecessary fears. You may want to safely introduce the puppy to situations that may cause anxiety later on. It is helpful for puppies to learn how to cope with their environment in a healthy and positive manner. Positive influence in the early weeks of the puppy's life can be very beneficial.
You could gradually introduce your Chihuahua puppy to a variety of items and sounds that are routinely around the house, so they become a little familiar with them. Some sounds that may be new to your puppy are the following: doorbell ringing, telephone ringing, sound of the television or video games, music playing, and also the noise from a vacuum cleaner.
Barking from Playful Happiness or Happy Excitement: Your puppy or grown dog may just be barking because he so happy about playing outside, or going for a nice walk, or going for a ride in a car. He may have a habit of routinely barking when he sees his favorite relatives or friends of the family coming over to visit at your house.
Barking when He Hears Other Dogs Bark: Your Chihuahua may be barking to respond to other dogs he hears barking in the neighborhood.
Warning Bark: It is common for dogs be protective and bark if they see a stranger approaching the house. Dogs often bark at mail carriers, joggers, or people riding bikes on the street by the house.
Bored Barkers: Dogs who are bored need something constructive and positive to do besides barking. It is important to routinely provide enough appropriate exercise and attention for your dog each day.
Separation Anxiety: You are probably the most important thing in your dog's life. When a Chihuahua that is routinely used to constant human companionship and attention is left alone, he can experience some anxiety about where his owner might be going. Your dog may not understand why he cannot go with you, and he may worry about whether or not you will be coming back home to be with him. Your Chihuahua may bark, whine, cry or howl when he is experiencing separation anxiety.
Here are a few ideas that may possibly help minor separation anxiety listed below.
Try not to be dramatic when you are leaving or returning to your home. When you return back home you can calmly pet your Chihuahua and reassure him.
When you have to leave your dog in the house, you may decide to let him have something of yours like a piece of clothing that smells like you.
You can make a reassuring habit of using a certain word or phrase that you routinely use every time you leave that tells your dog you will be coming back home.
Possibly, if the dog could hear the sound of a radio or television, it may be calming.
Sometimes having their safe and appropriate dog toys available for them will be a little distraction for them and help to keep them busy.
In summary, these are ideas to help prevent excessive barking listed below.
Try to have your Chihuahua get enough routine daily attention.
The dog should get adequate appropriate exercise.
Try the methods listed above for proper socialization and to help separation anxiety.
Try not to give positive reinforcement to the grown dog or puppy when he is only barking or whining just for attention. You can reward your Chihuahua for the quiet, relaxed behavior instead.
