Dealing With A New Puppy Barking For Attention

Some puppies may bark and yelp when they are adjusting to their new home. They are, in effect, barking for attention. This should be expected because your puppy has just left his momma and littermates – he does not know what is going to happen next. You will need to make this adjustment period as smooth as possible for him.

The problem is often that a new dog parent is not accustomed to these sounds and they can be very unnerving. This is especially true during the night when the puppy’s behavior may become intensified.

The key is to keep in mind why the puppy is barking or yelping. He is lonely or perhaps even scared. This is probably the first time that your baby has not had his mommy and littermates to snuggle with. Up until now this company has been constant.

Deciding how to handle this situation can make an impact on your dog’s personality for a long, long time. If you run to him each time he barks he will learn to associate the barking with getting a positive outcome. But if you allow the barking to continue your puppy’s fear will escalate and you and your household will not get peaceful rest from the noise.

Obviously different dog parents handle the situation in different ways. For me, I want my puppy to be happy and quiet so I keep him with me – yes, my dogs sleep with me. I know that solution does not work for everyone. But there is a middle-ground that you can use. Consider keeping your puppy in the same room with you, whether he is in a dog crate, a doggie play pen, or a large box, if he is near you and knows that you are there he may be comfortable enough to rest more easily.

Most breeders will provide you with a baby blanket or towel that has been used with the momma dog and the littermates. This ‘scented’ blanket can provide comfort to your new puppy. If you did not receive a blanket then consider adding some of your clothes (that you have worn) to your puppy’s sleep area. The goal is to keep your puppy happy and content enough that you both can get some rest.

During the day you might want to use a long lead; this will keep your puppy safely close to you but allow enough freedom that he can do a little exploring. This helps him get used to the independence he has now – being a puppy away from his original dog family. This is a big change for him – your understanding and patience will go a long way to make the transition easier for both of you.

When you have to leave the house it is wise not to make a big issue of it. Spending time saying a long good-bye can sometimes increase the stress your dog feels and he will learn to associate the good-bye with a negative action. Your puppy will soon associate your keys, purse, coat, etc. with you leaving and he may begin feeling stressed when he sees you with those items. To ease that stress you could play with your keys on occasion or even carry your purse around the house from time to time. This can alleviate some of the stress your puppy feels in relation to those items.

A puppy barking for attention can be annoying but once you understand why your puppy is upset it is much easier to find a solution. In most cases a puppy will adjust to his new environment very quickly – but a lot depends on you. Keeping your puppy content involves thinking things through before you act. Never yell at your new puppy for barking – he is sensitive and you will only make matters worse. Strive to find a workable solution that will keep your puppy content while it provides some quiet time for you.