The main reason your dog will bark relentlessly at nothing in particular is due to the fact that it is suffering from pent up, nervous energy. Ask yourself whether you dog is really getting all the exercise it needs. One and a half hours is a good amount of time for most breeds. If the barking is coupled with a look of restlessness or even more aggressive than usual behaviour it is almost certain more exercise is required.

Barking is used as a way of expression and therefore you should not always look down on your dog just because it is barking, after all they too have to communicate. Dogs can’t talk like their owners so it us up to us to interpret their mood and body language to ascertain how they are trying to communicate with us at this time.

Dogs bark for a lot of reasons, it really depends on what breed you are dealing with. German Shepherds and other guarding breeds were bred to utilise barking as a tool. Sporting breeds such as Beagles will use their bark to announce that the prey is close by. Some others just like the sound of their own voice i.e. toy breeds.

Moving breeds aside, most dogs will bark because of boredom, something is wrong, a toilet requirement, loneliness or its just playtime please!! In these instances it is not right to try and prevent your dog from barking but you should try and translate what they are trying to communicate to you.

Other times barking can be really tiresome and just not on. Be aware of times when your dog is just using their bark as a means to manipulate you. Mutual respect needs to be present within your relationship but you have to make it clear that all things are not equal. You are the boss, they are your dog. As long as you can gain respect from your dog then they will be a lot happier, manageable and trainable.

If you give in to your dog’s demands when they bark for your time and attention then your dog is being taught by you that this is the method to use when they want your attention or something from you. Don’t be afraid to ignore your dog and make sure they understand from your body language that this is not the way to go if they want something.

A top tip to eradicate barking for attention is to turn your back on your dog and not to look at them, not even to tell them ‘No!’. They will soon come to realise that if this is what is going to happen every time then their not going to do it. However, you must stay consistent, this goes for any type of training you and your dog embark on.

If the barking persists hold your dog’s collar and gently hold its muzzle. This prevents the barking and shows who the authority figure is in the relationship. Your dog won’t like it at first but persistence and consistency will end in reward.

Dogs are social animals and therefore if you are leaving them on their own for long periods of time expect them to become anxious, on edge, frustrated and be prepared for a lot of barking.