Consistent training can help stop dog's incessant barking

When the weather cools off and it finally stops raining, it's nice to throw open the windows and let in some fresh air.

It also means letting in the outside noises, which could lead to more barking from your dog.

Dogs communicate with us by barking. They bark out of fear, as a warning, for protection and when they play. Our dogs bark to go outside or to come back in, at other dogs, at people and at other animals.

My dog enjoys barking at the squirrels as they chatter at him from the trees and from the telephone wires in the backyard.

The Humane Society of the United States suggests a number of possible reasons our dogs bark, including boredom, frustration or just because they want our undivided attention.

Dogs also bark out of fear, whether it is people, objects, other animals, or loud noises like fireworks or thunder. A dog barking out of fear typically holds his tail low and has his ears back.

They also bark when being protective or territorial - like when people come into their house or dogs in neighboring yards are outside.

The protective or territorial posture appears threatening, with your dog's tail held high and his ears up and forward.

Dogs also bark when they are playing, excited and when greeting people.

But they also may do it due to health reasons or because of age. He may have Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, age-related dementia, or he may be deaf, possibly barking because he doesn't hear himself.

If your dog is deaf, he can be taught the quiet command with a hand signal or a flash of light. If it is dementia or age-related deafness, be patient with him, keeping his environment orderly and simple. Your vet may have suggestions about medication.

Just as important as knowing why our dogs bark is how to get them to stop. The HSUS says it's all in the training. Don't expect him to change his behavior immediately. The longer he's been practicing the behavior, the longer it will take him to change.

One important suggestion is to not yell at him to be quiet. Haven't we all done that? Have you noticed the louder you yell, the more excited your dog gets? We seem to think our getting loud will stop the barking, but your dog thinks you are barking along with him.

As with all dog training, keep your training sessions positive and upbeat. Be consistent; everyone in the family has to use the same method. Also, you have to deal with the inappropriate barking each time it occurs.

The HSUS suggests our dogs get some kind of reward when they bark, otherwise, he wouldn't do it. We need to figure out what he gets out of barking and then remove it.

If your dog is barking at people or animals passing by a window, closing the curtains may help. Or ignore his barking for as long as it takes him to stop, not giving him any attention. Your attention rewards him for being noisy.

Don't talk to him, don't touch him and don't look at him. When he finally quiets, even to take a breath, give a reward with a treat. To be successful with this method, you must wait for him to stop barking. He learns if he just barks long enough, you'll give him attention. It's also about consistency - you must ignore the barking every time.

I also suggest if you need help managing your dog's behavior, consult a qualified dog trainer.

The HSUS also suggests making sure your dog gets enough physical and mental exercise every day. He may need several long walks a day or a rousing game of chasing the ball. A tired dog is a good dog.

My dog's barking varies in intensity, speed and volume, depending on the situation. He uses a quiet, slow bark when he sees my neighbor coming up the sidewalk.

He uses a rapid, loud, excited bark when he sees the pizza deliveryman or our mailman walking up to the door. And he uses a short, rapid bark at the squirrels.

He's communicating a different message with different barking. All I have to do is really listen to him.

• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a volunteer nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization, with all funds directly assisting its animals. For information, visit thebuddyfoundation.org or call (847) 290-5806.