If your pet has a barking problem, the first thing you need to do is to figure out why it's behaving the way it is. There are many reasons that could cause a young pup to bark. Here are some of these reasons:

1) Seeking attention.

You may have neglected your pet recently and it wants some attention! Simply spend more time with your dog and see if it helps.

2) Separation anxiety.

If you have just brought the dog home from the pet store, the animal may be suffering from what is commonly known as separation anxiety. It is already used to the pet store and the owner, so it may bark just to express its anxiety. Fortunately, this is just a temporary problem. Once the dog gets accustomed to its new owners and surroundings, the barking will stop.

3) Injuries and illnesses.

You may have a sick pup in your hands and you don't even know it! Barking is its way to attract your attention. It's a sure sign that the pup needs help badly.

4) Just misbehaving.

A young puppy, before undergoing any training, may just be misbehaving. This is a common phenomenon, as the animal has not learned any behavioral habits yet. Once proper training has been conducted, the dog will learn what is right and wrong and will behave appropriately. So be patient and give it time.

5) In need of exercise.

Your poor puppy could just be yearning to go out for a good exercise session! Have you been keeping the dog indoors lately because you have been too busy? Most dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy. The barking may be a sign of its frustrating because it's exercise needs are not met. Be a responsible owner and take it out for a good run.

6) Excited by something.

Something could be stimulating the puppy's excitement. Perhaps a cat is in the region. If so, the solution here is to either get rid of the cause of the stimulation, or to isolate the dog. Spend some time to calm it down with assuring pats and by speaking to it in a calm tone.

Usually, a healthy and happy dog won't bark unnecessarily. Barking is one method that dogs use to communicate with human beings. Sometimes, if you are sharp enough, you may even be able to detect emotions from the barking. For example, is your dog barking in a distressed manner? Experience will tell you the answers. These answers will give you important clues as to what causes the barking. You may then act according to nip the problem in the butt.