Looking at this issue from another angle can be helpful. Dogs are the best pets and we love dogs; we don't want to behave like a usual dog owner. It isn't good to treat our friend as just a plaything, and this needs to be stopped. Dogs also have their own mind. It's we who have are to be blamed for separating these puppies from their mothers at the age of 6-8 weeks. After bringing a new friend home, we ought to be friendly with him and treat him well.

Dogs are the progeny of wolves but have strong attachment with us. We should be able to give that same level of love and attachment to them in return. Every dog has a single master and is extremely loyal to that person. He would however, shows his varying attachment levels towards all the other members of the family. This responsibility is on us to take good care of this friend as a member of the family. With the help of this, we can actually eradicate one of the key causes of barking.

We do get terrified when a dog barks. However, this is their way of communicating with us. Dogs also communicate in more subtle ways. The faint sounds that they make and the fleeting expressions on their faces tell us a lot. We only need to be attentive and sensitive. We should be able to understand these subtle signals and also respond to the same.

Dogs are not only intelligent species, but they are equally complex. They have certain needs too pertaining to their food, keep fit exercises and attention. You must be able to understand their emotions and not just wish them away. We can actually prevent our friend from barking by understanding his feelings figuring out if he is unwell or is just bored for some reason.

You would undoubtedly like to raise the puppy as a member of the family. So, ignore the advice that most dog training books and sites give. Issuing one-word commands and expecting the dog to act as a robot must be stopped. You must talk to him as often as you can and for long if possible. Your dog should not be underestimated. He has the brains to understand everything except eighteenth century literature. The poor guy can't speak; or else we would have realized his intelligence.

Recollecting the principles of body language and face reading and applying the same to the dogs can be useful. There are countless signals that your friend is giving you in real time. Take the time to look at the face, especially the eyes, and also his body. If your soul can reach out to your dog, your sense would do the needful. You will also realize his desires, his needs and also his love for you.

Your puppy needs to be treated as a child and you must do everything that a responsible parent would do. Don't ever think of giving a silencer to your friend. You would probably need a loudspeaker to listen to what these canines have to speak in their own unspoken language.