If a dog is barking excessively, what do you think are some of the down sides of that? Some people are of the view that a dog that barks at a lot of things is a good watchdog, do you think this is true? what to you think about that?

[UnderDog]

Originally Posted by cka233

If a dog is barking excessively, what do you think are some of the down sides of that?

Its annoying, neighbours could report your dog for excessive barking etc..

Some people are of the view that a dog that barks at a lot of things is a good watchdog, do you think this is true?

No

what to you think about that?

Total rubbish. If a dog barks at pretty much everything how will you ever know if hes barking at an intruder/threat or just a few leaves blowing in the wind??

excessive barking = not enough exercise, social skills lacking, boredom

[UnderDog]

Originally Posted by timber&gizzy

excessive barking = not enough exercise, social skills lacking, boredom

It can also mean the dog is = anxious, obsessive, insecure etc
Also if it is a dog that gets what it wants from barking, it will bark. It needs to be put in pack order, make the dog bottom of the pack, discipline, discipline, discipline!

[wishbone]

Understanding and attention plus training. Dog barking has meanings.

I hate when dogs barks too much specially at night. It caused me to sleep irregularly. commonly these dogs are not properly trained and giving less attention.

[6Miranda]

My puppy barks sometimes, and it is an ear piercing yap. She is short of 14 weeks, and sometimes barks at the other dog, or yeah, for attention I suppose, although it isn't through lack of exercise or boredom. This morning, I needed her to be quiet as it wasn't even 7am, so I put her in the car, and the other dog, just for about five minutes before I went with them to take them for a run. Oh and she'll bark when she meets new people/dogs. I find it annoying and bet the neighbors do too, when she barks thru the fence to their dogs. I haven't had a dog that barks before, and this one kinda yaps with it. She is an Alaskan Malamute/Golden retriever. :???:

[UnderDog]

6Miranda - stick it out, I promise you when she matures it wont be as ear piercing, but if you wanted a quite dog, A Mal x was totally the wrong breed.

Excessive barking is a common canine behavior problem that can lead to sleepless nights for the dog owners, frustration, angry neighbors, legal action and even eviction....

[Kingsbridge Cav]

An under-stimulated highly intelligent dog will bark out of boredom or for a reaction. Give it something to figure out or a job to do.
A dog that has learned the "potty" schedule and thinks you are late may bark until it gets it's desired reaction. Be sure you are the boss of it will always be a problem.
I have a country dog who has the run of 160 acres who barks often at night. This is not a problem as she is warning off the numerous coyotes that inhabit our "back yard". If it weren't for her, I'm sure I'd have lost a lot of farm animals. This is a natural behavior and should be expected. To import her or any like her to a city would be too much to ask.
Other dogs learn to bark from their neighbors and it can be very annoying. Good training is a must to keep peace.

[lil mutt]

It's really annoying when your dog barks too much and your neighbor will surely come knocking your dog to shut your dog up.