Excessive Barking Dog Essay

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According to archaeological and mitochondrial DNA findings, dogs were domesticated from wolf (Canis lupus) ancestors between 14,000 and 135,000 years ago (Clutton-Brock, 1995). Analysis of mitochondrial DNA from wolves and domestic dogs has supported the hypothesis that wolves were the ancestors of dogs. Although wolves and domestic dogs are genetically comparable and have similar body shape, there are important differences in their vocal behavior. While a bark is recognized as the sound of domestic dogs, wolves very rarely bark. Even when wolves do bark, the actual form of vocalization differs from a dog, according to Coppinger and Feinstein (1991). Humans probably selected the individuals that barked as barking could alert them to potential danger. About 35% of dog owners complain about inappropriate barking as one of the most common behavior problems, so the ability to identify why a dog barks in certain situations can be extremely helpful in trying to eliminate the behavior (Rudolph & Myers, 2004). This paper will identify excessive barking dogs (Canis familiaris) as an undesired behavior and include an analysis of causation and proposed solutions. Opinions regarding the point at which barking becomes a problem is enormously inconsistent. By some definitions, dogs barking continuously for more than approx. 5-10 minutes, it is considered excessive. Allowing a dog to bark excessively could be considered animal neglect or cruelty, as a dog barking enough to be a nuisance may be considered to be not properly cared for. It is also possible a dog may bark because it is injured or the owner has abandoned it. Possible situations when barking is problematic include: concern for the dog’s well-being, concern for owners, and/or concern for neighbors. Excessive barking may also affect adoptability of dogs in shelters. Excessive barking may support a

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