Is your puppy suddenly acting like he's a guard dog at a palace? Does he bark his head off at sounds you can't even hear? Dogs bark at things for several reasons including a perceived a threat, a sign of boredom, or a cry for attention. Barking is also a form of communication between dogs and they have distinct sounds and volumes for different expressions. A dog barking in a high pitch is often excited, a dog sort of gurgling in a lower pitch is usually content. A dog emitting a low growl is issuing a warning.

All breeds except the Basenji bark. Some are more vocal than others such as those bred from guard dogs. Puppies are looking for work at this age and, in the case of incessant barking, warning their owner of impending danger is their work. The trash truck is an enemy, the doorbell is an enemy, the dog barking down the street is an enemy.

There are two approaches to stopping barking - deterrents and training. Often the best result is to use both.

Deterrents

1. Get a Ultrasonic Deterrent - These make a sound undetectable to human ears which discourages barking.

2. Use a Citrus Collar - This sprays citrus near your puppy's face when he barks and acts as a deterrent.

3. Hire a dog walker - This will ease boredom if you're away.

4. Acupuncture - This solves many problems, from depression to colds. It can also help with behavior problems such as excessive barking by relaxing your puppy and balancing their system.

5. Leave Things to Do - Leave interactive toys and Kongs out for your dog if you're going out to keep your puppy busy.

6. Leave the Blinds Down - If your puppy is barking mostly in reaction to sights outside, closing the blinds will help stop him.

Training

1. Make Sure You're Established as Alpha - Obedience training helps to establish this as does actions such as deciding when you pet your puppy or when he can, or can't, get on the couch.

2. Train Your Puppy to Bark - Yes, this will actually help. Train your puppy to bark on command. Hold a treat up to your chin and say "Speak!" When your puppy speaks, reward him. Next, say "Whisper!" in a very soft voice and reward when your pup figures out how to lower his voice. When he barks on his own, use the "Whisper!" command.

3. Train Your Puppy Not to Bark - Now you can train your puppy not to bark. Start with "Speak!" then command "Whisper!" and, finally, say "Quiet!" in an even softer voice. Most puppies will find this exercise fun and will easily figure out what you ...

You've just brought your new puppy home and after hours of oohing and awwing, you wonder what to do with him while you cook dinner. There are risks in leaving your pup unwatched as he can get into trouble in a second. There is also a good chance he'll have a hard time sleeping at night for a while. And he'll need a place to call his own when the kids get too rough or the cat won't stop chasing him.

The best and easiest solution to this problem is crating your puppy. When you give your puppy a crate, you are giving him a place that is safe and secure. Not only does crating him give you peace-of-mind, it mimics the den-like atmosphere that he naturally seeks out. It also provides an area which he is unlikely to soil and thus helps in house training. But how do you get your puppy to accept and like a crate? It's a simple process which, begun early on, will become habit for both of you very quickly.

The main direction to take is a positive one. If your puppy is afraid of his crate because you drag him in there, he's unlikely to use it on his own or be comfortable after you've shut the door.

1. Cover the crate with a blanket on three sides. This will make your puppy feel more comfortable and will help him sleep at night.

2. Start with the crate in an area where the family hangs out. If he can see others around him, he'll be less likely to feel abandoned.

3. Take as much time as is needed to let your puppy explore the crate himself. Using a treat, encourage him to go in and praise him when he comes out.

4. Put secure and fun things in the crate. Have a good crate bed, some chew toys, water and any blanket that your puppy fancies.

5. Do positive things in the crate like feeding your puppy there and petting him if he goes in and lies down.

6. Begin by closing the door for only seconds at a time and build up to longer stints from there.

7. Keep a white noise machine or a ticking clock near the crate when you're gone. This helps sooth the puppy and...

Do you go on walks with your puppy only to spend a great deal of time jerking his head back from the ground? Does your puppy find cigarette butts, used chewing gum, and dog vomit equally enticing? If so, it's time to stop your puppy's grazing. Puppies at this age are enjoying the full development of their senses. Their strongest sense is smell and, even though it's related to taste, it's even stronger than that. So, he's attracted to stinky items and, when he finds one, he hopes the next will be just as good even if it's not as smelly.

Noticing the signs that your puppy is ready to dive can help prevent the problem. Usually, your puppy will go from a relaxed "Heel!" to a sudden plunge which can make it difficult. Noticing what is on the ground can also be helpful but it's impossible to watch the ground constantly.

How to Prevent Your Puppy from Being Tempted

1. Bring Along a Toy - A squeaky toy works very well to distract your puppy.

2. Avoid Areas with Food - This includes blocks with restaurants on them or behind them, areas behind an office building, some parks, and schools.

3. Avoid Overhanging Fronts - Often, people will smoke under an overhang on a building leaving their cigarette butts behind.

4. Avoid Trash Bins - Often, apartment houses will have a large trash bin out back and sometimes the trash doesn't make it to the bin.

5. Bring Treats - Bring your puppy's favorite treats on walks to tempt him away from trash.

6. Leave It - Work on the command "Leave It," which teaches your puppy not to pick up an object.

How to Stop a Diving Dog

There are some subtle signs that your puppy is getting ready to go for that piece of gum on the ground. He'll turn his head sharply to look at the "prey." Then, he'll rear up slightly and turn in the direction of the goodie. You can feel this as well as see it. At that point, a firm but gentle jerk on the collar will redirect his attention as will a low pitched "Heel!" or "Leave It!" If your puppy...