I’ve got this adorable Great Pyrenees puppy, Gunnar, who’s 8 months old. Let me tell you, my partner and I thought we hit the jackpot with this little guy. He was super easy to train and well-behaved from the get-go, unlike what we’d heard about his breed being notoriously barky. We were all smug when he turned 12 weeks and didn’t make a sound. But fast forward to 6 months, and he’s barking at every dog in sight or sound, even on TV or in cartoons. He’s also looking at us when he barks, like he’s seeking approval. So, this blog is for all the fellow pet parents dealing with non-stop barking!
Barking is your dog’s way of chatting you up. They’re just talking, getting their perspective out there. But sometimes, it can be a little…much. Dogs who bark excessively can cause big problems for their humans, but even though it may seem completely out of control, this behavior can be modified to a bearable level.
Dogs bark for many reasons — to get attention, as a warning, in response to other barking dogs, out of boredom, out of anxiety, when excited, in the car, at mail carriers or at men — and it’s important to identify the triggers before beginning training. Read on to learn why your dog is barking and what you can do about it.
First, identify the reason for the barking
To deal with dog barking, first identify the cause. Common causes include boredom, loneliness, anxiety, fear, territoriality, and attention-seeking. Once you know the cause, you can take steps to address it. If you are having trouble dealing with the barking on your own, consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
1. The trigger: boredom
The Fix: These days, most dogs who were once bred to do a certain job find domestic life boring, and barking relieves that boredom. If this is the case, the first step in how to train a dog not to bark is increased exercise and mental stimulation. This will refocus your dog’s mind to something more positive and help tire them out.
2. The trigger: attention seeking
The Fix: If your dog barks to get attention, don’t reward their demands. Yelling at your dog is inadvertently rewarding them for barking, even if the communication is negative. It’s best to ignore the barking. Wait for five seconds of quiet, thenreward your dog with attention. This way, your dog learns that they get nothing from you when they bark but gets everything when they’re quiet.
3. The trigger: excitement
The Fix: A dog who barks when excited (i.e., before going for a walk or being fed) is harder to work with because your pre-departure or pre-food cues are usually highly ritualized. Again, do not reward your dog with what they want until they’re calm. For example, if the dog barking happens as soon as you go for the leash, drop the leash and sit down.
Keep repeating this until your dog is quiet. If you successfully attach the leash, but your dog barks as soon as they get outside, immediately go back inside. This technique requires patience, but if you are diligent, your dog will quickly learn that quiet equals a walk.
4. The trigger: anxiety or fear
The Fix: Dogs who suffer from anxiety when left alone will often bark a lot during the first 30 minutes after departure, while others continue until their person comes home. You’ll need to hire a trainer to help; separation anxiety can be a very difficult behavior to modify.
The beginning of puppy parenthood can be rough, but it does get better — especially when you implement this advice.
5. The trigger: territorial or alarm
The Fix: If your dog barks excitedly in the backyard, for example, immediately take them into the house and only allow them out again when they’re quiet. Keep repeating if necessary, but never leave them in the backyard unattended. If your dog barks at other dogs or people in or outside of your home, it might be because they haven’t received adequate socialization, and they feel uncomfortable.
In general, it’s important to note that it’s normal for a dog to bark to alert their pack about anyone (or anything) approaching their space.
6. The trigger: pain or discomfort
The Fix: If your pup has been romping around outside without close supervision — or say, they stepped on something sharp during a walk — you may not know that they’re injured. Excessive barking, howling or growling can be a sign that they’re hurt and in pain. Try to identify what’s bothering them and whether there’s any sort of injury. While you’re examining them, be careful because some dogs become reactive when they’re hurt. Then take them to the vet to be vet ASAP to be treated.
7. The trigger: certain noises or smells
The Fix: Sometimes it might seem like your dog is barking at absolutely nothing. But their senses — especially scent and smell — are attuned differently than ours are to their surrounding environment. For example, dogs can hear high-pitched sounds we can’t, so they may be barking at something you’re unaware of.
They also have a super strong sense of smell, so your pup may be picking up on a scent that is undetectable to you — and they may be trying to alert you to it! Instead of ignoring them or barking back, acknowledge that you hear them.
8. The trigger: medical conditions
The Fix: If you notice that your dog’s barking is accompanied by other changes in behavior — panting or pacing, for example — it may be an indication of a more serious health issue. Especially as your pup ages, they may be barking because they’re experiencing a change in hearing or vision. Or it could be a sign of some other medical condition that’s developing, so take your dog to the vet to be evaluated if the barking persists.
Continue to train your dog to manage barking
Once you’ve identified the reason your dog is barking, it’s important to train them accordingly. For example, if you’ve figured out that they are barking for attention, you want to ignore it. But you don’t want to ignore it if you suspect there’s a medical issue. Continuing to train your dog over time and being consistent with your behavioral response should fix the issue.
Can positive reinforcement be used to train a dog to stop barking?
Positive reinforcement is generally a successful training technique with dogs — and it can be helpful when you’re trying to get your dog to stop barking. When your pup is exhibiting the behavior that you desire (i.e., they stop barking when you cue them or they refrain from barking when they normally would), reward it with their favorite treat. Over time, they will learn that not barking is better.
FAQ’s (People also ask)
When should I seek professional help for my dog’s barking?
If you are finding it challenging, especially when your dog is around other dogs or strangers, it’s essential to seek the guidance of a professional dog trainer who specializes in positive reinforcement techniques. By working with a dedicated professional, you can learn effective strategies to help your dog feel more comfortable and confident in various social situations. A positive reinforcement approach focuses on rewarding desired behaviors, which can lead to long-lasting and positive results. With the support of a knowledgeable trainer, you can create a tailored training plan that addresses your dog’s specific needs and helps foster a harmonious relationship between you and your four-legged friend.
How can I discourage nighttime barking?
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise during the day. Ensure they have a comfortable place to rest, you can try a calming treat or playing white noise at night, as well.
It’s important to prioritize your dog’s physical and mental well-being by providing them with ample opportunities for exercise and rest. Regular physical activity not only helps maintain your dog’s physical health but also contributes to their mental stimulation. By engaging in activities such as playing fetch, going for walks, or allowing them to run and explore in a safe environment, you can help them expend their energy in a positive and constructive manner. Moreover, creating a comfortable and cozy resting area for your dog is essential. Whether it’s a soft and cushioned bed or a designated cozy corner, ensuring that they have a peaceful and restful space is crucial for their overall comfort. Additionally, incorporating calming techniques such as offering calming treats or playing white noise at night can further contribute to creating a tranquil environment for your furry companion. These simple yet effective strategies can make a meaningful difference in your dog’s overall well-being!
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