Question of the Week: Any Advice for a Dog That Likes to Talk to Other Dogs in the Yard?

Thanks for writing! Outdoor dog chatter gives dogs a chance a catch up! At that time, they can also run the fence, trample down the grass, come in the house with muddy feet, and aggravate the neighbors, too.

It's only human for us to think that when dog's bark that they actually understand what they are saying to each other. Maybe they are discussing when the next Marley and Me movie will be out? Or possibly the most comfortable collar on the market. Dogs really do not "talk" with "barking" like we do. Typically, what is being determined is hierarchy in the neighborhood pack. Things such as level of dominance with eye contact, tail placement, body language, and play postures also can be determined between the dogs.  

Whenever you have a behavior problem whether it be barking, digging, chewing or jumping the trick is to determine WHY the problem is there. Maybe your dog is telling you it's time to set up a play date where the dogs can have a real "dog" conversation with body language, chase, keep away and pouncing ... instead of barking!