Ask Dr. Paola- Help! My Yorkipoos Bark At Everything I Do! (June 29, 2026)

Welcome to our "Ask Dr. Paola" series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our readers better understand their dog's health and well-being.

Whether you're a new pet parent or a seasoned dog lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutrition tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to offer insights that will keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Stay tuned for expert guidance on a range of topics that matter most to you and your dog, so you can make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for your canine companion. ‎Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here!

Help! My Yorkipoos Bark At Everything I Do!

“Dear Dr Paola,

Our 2 dogs, 7-year-old Yorkipoos (brother and sister), bark at me in an unfriendly manner all the time. When I move in my chair, stand up, leave the room, go through a door, leave the house, etc.

The female, Abby, was my mother-in-law's dog until last July. When Mom died, Abby joined her brother, Bailey, with us. She has barked incessantly since then, and now has Bailey doing it too. It's not just annoying; it's way beyond that. It’s been over a year, and it's constant. Could she be blaming me for taking her away from her home? Or could there be another reason?

Help!”

- John and Kathleen

Dear John and Kathleen,

Gosh, this sounds very stressful!

It is very unlikely that Abby is blaming you for not taking her back to her previous home. Dogs do not assign fault in that way. What is much more likely is that the loss of her previous caregiver, the move into a new household, and the adjustment to a different daily routine created stress and uncertainty. Over time, barking may have become her default response whenever something changes around her. Bailey has likely learned the same pattern by following her lead. Think of it like a car alarm that becomes overly sensitive. It may have started in response to something meaningful, but eventually it goes off whenever a truck passes by or a door closes nearby.

The key is to identify what Abby is doing in the moments just before she barks. Does she glance at you, lift her head, perk her ears, remain quiet for a second, stay on her bed, or hesitate before vocalizing? Those are the moments to reinforce. For example, if you stand up and Abby looks at you without barking, immediately reward that calm response. If you walk toward a doorway and she remains seated or keeps four paws on the floor, reward that. If she chooses to stay on a dog bed, relaxes her body, or turns her attention to a chew toy instead of following and barking, those are excellent alternative behaviors to encourage.

The goal is to teach her that calm observation, staying on a mat, sitting quietly, or engaging with a toy are more rewarding than sounding the alarm. We often focus on the unwanted behaviors, but we can be far more successful if we shift our attention to rewarding and reinforcing desired behaviors.

Because the barking occurs during predictable events such as standing up, changing rooms, or leaving the house, these situations become valuable training opportunities. Start with movements that trigger only mild barking and reward the smallest signs of calm behavior before the barking begins. Over time, Abby and Bailey can learn that your movements are not something they need to monitor or comment on. If either dog has not had a recent veterinary examination, it is also worth ruling out pain, hearing changes, vision changes, or anxiety-related conditions, as these can lower a dog's threshold for reacting to everyday events. I hope this helps, and wish you good luck.

- Dr. Paola

HELP! What Should I Feed My Puppy?

“Hi Dr Paola,

What key ingredients should I look for in puppy food for a 6-month-old medium-sized pup? I would like to find a kibble, maybe with a topper, that is budget-friendly. “

- Sandy

Hi Sandy,

For a 6-month-old medium-breed puppy, the most important thing is not to focus on one or two specific ingredients, but to look for a food formulated for growth that provides complete and balanced nutrition. During this stage, your puppy is actively building bone, muscle, organs, and the nervous system, so their nutritional requirements are different from those of a fully grown dog.

Look for a puppy food that lists a good quality animal protein source, such as chicken, turkey, lamb, or salmon, among the first ingredients, specifically labeled for growth or all life stages. The food should contain appropriate amounts of protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and especially calcium and phosphorus in the correct balance to support healthy bone development. I also prefer foods that are transparent about their ingredients, so I would generally choose named protein sources over generic ingredients such as "meat meal."

A good way to think about it is that adult dog food is designed to maintain the body, while puppy food is designed to help build it. Beyond the ingredient list, what matters most is that the food provides complete and balanced nutrition for growth. If you would like to add a budget-friendly topper, simple options such as cooked chicken, turkey, eggs, sardines packed in water, or a spoonful of plain pumpkin can add variety and freshness without significantly increasing the cost. Just keep toppers as a small part of the meal so the puppy food remains the nutritional foundation of the diet.

Kind regards,

- Dr. Paola