Nothing reminds me more of summertime, barbeques and American suburbia than the quintessential sound of a barking dog. I'm sure that most people don't share my sentiment, but for me it invokes this strange feeling of comfort and care-free laziness. This goes to show that not all barking is bad. In fact, sometimes it's a great thing that our furry companions can alert us to things we really need to give our attention to.

Remember that dogs are very social and, therefore, can be vocal about things they want to communicate to their "pack." Unless you are the proud owner of a Basenji dog, which does not bark in the traditional sense, you're going to have moments where your pup will speak their mind. There may be times when you find yourself scratching your head, wondering what on Earth her problem is. Dogs have an amazing sense of hearing (as you already know) and might be able to pick up on the things that you can't. It helps to have an understanding of what different barks and/or body language means.

So why do dogs bark in the first place?

One of the most common and disheartening problems that dogs develop is separation anxiety. This is more of an anxiety disorder where the dog is left in a state of intense panic that is brought on by separation from their owner(s). To put it into perspective, if your dog is suffering from this disorder they will fall into a state of nervous anxiety each time you leave the house.

Part of this is because dogs are naturally social animals and need lots of interaction to keep them content and happy. While no dog likes to be left alone for long periods of time, so have an even harder time. These are the ones most likely to develop separation anxiety.

Learn about the factors that cause separation anxiety in dogs after the jump!

Whether or not a dog engages in destructive chewing behaviors is really a matter of individual preference. There are some dogs who have this innate desire to chew out of sheer pleasure, while others have no need whatsoever unless they are driven by mere boredom.

When you hear the phrase "destructive chewing" you may find it to be a bit redundant. After all, isn't all chewing destructive? A dog has strong jaws with sharp teeth. Anything they decide to munch on will no doubt show signs of destruction. So, really when I use the phrase "destructive chewing," what I really mean is inappropriate chewing. This is the kind that focuses on your possessions and household items rather than their toys or bones. If you're dog is exhibiting these behaviors, you most definitely have dog chewing problems...

A well behaved and well mannered pup can be the envy of any dog owner. Sitting, heeling and waiting on command are impressive tasks for our four legged companions to carry out. Basic obedience training is something that just about any pet owner can carry out with relative ease. Patience and confidence will be important factors in your success.

Make no mistake, those well behaved dogs you envy did not learn those commands overnight. It takes practice, patience and some discipline from both you and your dog.

Whether you've just acquired a new furry friend, or you're looking to teach an old dog new tricks, there are some important things you need to know.

Check out our 10 simple dog training tips after the jump!