Not all dogs bark excessively – it varies by breed and individual personality. Some breeds like Basenjis barely bark at all, while others like Dachshunds are more vocal. If your dog is barking at everything, training and mental stimulation can help.
Why do dogs bark?
Dogs bark for lots of reasons. It is their way of communicating with us and with each other. Territorial barking and alert barking are normal behaviours in dogs. Such as when strangers come to the door or the postman arrives. Dog’s have long been bred and used to alert humans to intruders whether that be predators near a flock of sheep or intruders to our property.
Dogs also bark when they are excited, such as when you are getting ready to take them for a walk or when you come home from work. They may also bark for the opposite reason. Fear causes dogs to use vocalisations to protect themselves, this could be growls or barks. Anxiety at being left alone, also results in dogs vocalising by whining, howling and barking to re-establish connection with their owners.
Some dogs also learn that barking gets them attention from their owners. This will result in barking in lots of contexts. Particularly when you are trying to work or perhaps sit quietly and enjoy the latest TV drama.
How to stop your dog barking
Fear and Anxiety
If your dog is barking excessively, try to write a list of the things that set them off or the times of day that it seems to happen. This will help you work out the cause of the barking. If your dog is anxious or fearful, do not reprimand them for barking. Seek help from a qualified dog behaviourist who will identify the causes of the fear/anxiety and provide you with a tailored behaviour modification plan.
Excitement and Attention Seeking
For dogs that bark out of excitement or for attention. This is often inadvertently reinforced by their owners. If our dogs bark, we tend to try to stop them. We might do this by talking to them (giving them attention). Even saying ‘No!’ and telling them off is a form of attention. We might get ready for the walk more quickly, rushing to put our shoes and coat on and bundle everyone out of the door. This is exactly what your dog wanted, so they learn that the barking makes the things they want happen faster. Try slowing down or even stopping if your dog barks when you are getting ready to take them out or preparing their meals. If the barking continues, leave the room and go do something else. Return and start again when your dog is quiet. This may take a few repetitions before your dog figures out that barking doesn’t work.
For those moments where you need to get on with work or would like to sit down and relax without your dog barking at you. Make sure your dog has had a walk or some play time first. Have fun things prepared for your dog to do while you are busy:
- Long lasting natural chews (Do NOT use rawhide as it is dangerous for dogs)
- Kongs filled with tasty treats. Using kibble mixed with yoghurt or soft cheese and frozen will make it last longer
- Licki mats
- Treat dispensing toys (My two love the Kong Wobbler)
- Snuffle mats (how to make your own snuffle mat)
- Snuffle boxes
Window Watchers
If your dog spends their time at the window or patio door, barking at everything they see outside, shut the curtains, limit their access to that room or try a window film to obscure the view while still letting light in.
Reactive dogs
If your dog barks at people or other dogs on walks, read more about reactive dog training here.
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