If your dog barks constantly at people walking by, or when you walk your dog, he walks in front of you and you stop every time he has to smell something, then your dog owns you! Not the other way around. People, when you're walking down the road and you pass a fenced off yard, and a dog, or dogs run up to you and start barking, that is not a happy dog! That is not what dogs are supposed to do. Dogs do that out of boredom and depression! If a dog was treated right, the dog would have NO reason to bark at strangers! And P.S., If you don't listen to that, at least be polite! If it's getting dark, I dont care if it's a weekend, and your dog is barking outside, BRING HIM IN!!!!!!! I cannot stress this enough!!! It's not the squirrel's fault that the dog is barking, or people who are walking's fault either! It's the owner's fault! People look down on other people who have dogs like that! And for those who didn't know, when you see a mean dog, or overly excited dog, it's not the dog's fault!! It's the owner's Fault! So be responsible, be humane!!! Treat your dog with respect! Or dont own one!

I respectfully disagree on some of the dog behavior stuff. Dogs are very territorial, and bark to warn off intruders. They mark their territory by "pee signposts" and have to check all them out to see what else has been there. My dog is never on a leash. When we go on a walk, he hangs very close to me. He knows I am the alpha male in our relationship

i hate to see a dog in a pen or on a chain,,,,,,,,to me thats cruel,,,,,,but if you read th laws about have a dog,,,,,,it wil scare th crap out of you

I may be Top Dog in the pack, but yeah, my dog owns me; I just love her too much!

my dogs barking at the front door now, as willy said, he's just territorial; but i agree with some of your other points. there are people out there that should not be pet owners.

Appreciate your thoughts and most I agree with. I absolutely abhor people who mistreat their dogs( it makes sick) and who leave them outside barking. Mine come right in when they are finsihed with their business and when they start to bark. But I love my three little dogs with all my heart and I assure you they are not mistreated or bored but they do bark at strangers. And they are not depressed, they are the happiest little creatures you will ever meet.

I think that, that is great that your dog isn't on a leash, seriously, that's hard to do and I respect that. In a pack, what the alpha dog says, goes! For instance, if a pack is together, and one of the dog's in the pack tries to chase a rabbit without the alpha dog's knowing, the alpha wont have that. If you dont mind waiting for your dog to smell everything, then that's fine, but I like to walk for the workout, and to simulate the hunt, and that doesn't involve the dog sniffing.

Then again, a lot of dogs suffer from separation anxiety and other problems that are caused by poor training on the part of dog owners. And much of that separation anxiety can manifest itself in the form of excessive barking and other unwanted behavior.

The WORST are the owners who either can't or won't control large breed dogs, like Mastiffs or Pit Bills. If left unattended, they can end up being the furry equivalent of a loaded gun, open to strike at anyone.

Heck- owners who leave ANY breed of dog out to roam loose are bad enough. The neighborhood I live in is notorious for lazy dog owners letting their dogs out to do whatever they want. And THAT will often result in people getting attacked.

It's good to see that.

what?!?!?!? its the owner fault. Where did you get all of this from. My dogs knows he don't own us, but yes he has a barking problems and i have done many many things to stop that and it has never worked. So i do have to say i disagree on some of the things that you have said. look in my situation, my dog hate being in the house no matter what, he is way to hot and always prefers being out side no matter the temperature. And a dog barks often for territories reasons warning other animals that this is their place it don't mean they are bored or depressed. A mean dog i understand it could be the owners fault or something that has happend in the dog life that has marked them, but an over excited dog what the hell it could just be that the dog likes to see people thats all it don't mean its the owners fault.

I agree. There are many reasons for barking besides bad owners or unhappiness. And yes, my dogs bark and get very excited when they are happy to see someone.

I don't have dogs, but my cats own me

ROFL i could own you cloudy

You already do

Then u better be in my room in 30 min

Dogs bark as a form of communication. If your dog barks, there is a reason why. It may be simply a response to a stimulus, like a jogger running by the house—or it may be your dog's way of asking for help.

Ongoing, Excessive Barking – This is your dog’s way of sending you a distress signal. Somewhere his needs as an animal are not being met. Is his world anchored by a pack leader who projects calm-assertive energy? Are you walking with him every day, which exercises his body and his mind? Is he living a balanced life? If nuisance barking is a problem, consider these issues to find a solution. It’s the best way to show real love for your dog.

Barking as Greeting - Some clients tell me that they love coming home because their dog greets them excitedly by jumping and barking. They feel this proves their dog's love for the family. But in a natural setting, dogs don’t bark, yelp, or jump on pack mates in a burst of affection. Dogs that greet their owners in this way are trying to communicate. But rather than professing undying love, they are probably trying to tell you that they are lonely and bored; their needs as a dog are not being met. The excitement is your dog’s way of burning off the excess energy that has been building throughout the day. Don't be disappointed by this revelation. Dogs simply don’t use emotions like people do. Remember, they’re dogs. To love a dog means you must treat him like an animal, which means fulfilling him as Nature intended him to be fulfilled.
Remember the Fulfillment Formula: Exercise, Discipline, and then Affection! Are you providing this for your dog?

YES MA'AM!

You dont deserve to own a dog!

Cats always own people. It is how they are wired.

In my case, I took in an abused dog and she had ISSUES, she has improved with my love and trust but she is still not all the way right. So in some cases it is not the current owners fault. But I agree for the most part. Dog owners sometimes do not take their job seriously and should not own a dog.