Dogs bark for many reasons, whether they are trying to alert their owners or getting overexcited during play. It’s a natural part of their vocalisation, however, if it becomes excessive it can signify there’s another underlying issue. Excessive vocalisation can be a sign of separation anxiety, boredom or even overprotectiveness, so, what can you do to manage this behaviour and help your furry friend feel more relaxed and harmonious?
Below are four effective strategies you can try that can help curb your dog’s excessive barking. Whether your dog is simply reacting to things they are alerted to such as a knock on the door or a passerby, or dealing with separation anxiety, you’ll be able to address the root causes of their vocal outbursts and hopefully have a calmer, quieter home environment.
Why Dogs Can Bark Excessively
Dogs communicate through barking, but when the barking becomes too much, it often points to underlying issues that need addressing.
Boredom – If a dog is left alone for long periods without sufficient physical and mental stimulation they may bark to express their frustration or simply to entertain themselves. If they are not taken on regular walks and are confined to the house without anything fun to do, it can lead to more frustration and barking.
Anxiety – Dogs experiencing separation anxiety may bark incessantly when left alone, using their voice as a distress signal. You may not realise this until someone else tells you such as a concerned neighbour.
Territorial behaviour – Dogs naturally want to protect their home and may bark at any perceived threats, such as passing pedestrians, mail or parcel deliveries, or other animals. This can be out of fear or just to simply alert you that someone is close by.
Attention-seeking behaviour – Some dogs learn that barking earns them attention from their owners, even if the attention is negative. According to dog behaviourist Philipa Short writing for Petsure, barking can become a habitual behaviour and as it releases endorphins, it can be self-perpetuating. In other words, it can continue without further interaction as it feels good to them.
External Stimuli or Changes in the Environment – Loud noises, seeing something out of the window such as a person, animal or car, and even unfamiliar visitors into the home can trigger barking.
If you identify the situations where your dog tends to bark more than usual, you’ll be able to start looking at ways to minimise this and get to the root of the problem. It could be that your dog only does so when left alone, such as if you go to work or are out for long periods. You may want to try a pet camera to have at home if this is the case as this will give you more insight into how your dog behaves when you’re not around.
Four Effective Ways to Reduce Barking
During a dog’s puppy years, it is important to help them become confident and calm, with socialisation a big part of this. The Dog’s Trust recommends that your puppy needs to encounter different people, noises and situations from between 3 and 12 weeks old, as this will help them see these are normal parts of life, helping to reinforce positive behaviour. If excessive barking still occurs in their adult life, you’ll need to concentrate on a mix of training and engaging your dog to break the habit.
1 – Introduce Quiet Commands
Training your dog to respond to a ‘quiet’ command or cue can be a good tactic with some practice. As per advice from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, you’ll need to first teach them how to bark on command using a treat, then you’ll be able to introduce a quiet cue. Choose a command such as “quiet” or “hush” and be ready to use it consistently.
When your dog starts barking, wait for them to stop and then say the command in a calm, firm voice. If they stop barking, even for a few seconds, immediately reward them with a treat and praise. This positive reinforcement will help them associate a reward with stopping barking and help you control their barking. It might take several practice sessions for your dog to start responding reliably, so keep training sessions short and positive.
2 – Increasing Physical and Mental Exercise
A well-exercised dog is typically a quiet dog. Ensuring your dog gets adequate physical exercise is crucial for both their physical and mental well-being. The amount of exercise needed can vary significantly between breeds, for instance, high-energy breeds like Border Collies and Labradors may require more intense activity compared to other breeds.
Alongside physical exercise, mental stimulation is equally important. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and indoor games can keep their mind engaged and reduce boredom-induced barking. Increasing exercise both physically and mentally can be useful if then you are planning to be out for a long period, as they will feel more relaxed whilst you are gone.
3 – Socialisation and Desensitisation
As mentioned, socialisation during a dog’s early development can prevent barking driven by fear or unfamiliarity. It is also key during their adult years. This exposure can help them become more comfortable and less likely to bark at unfamiliar things.
Desensitisation involves gradually introducing your dog to known triggers in a non-threatening way. For instance, if your dog barks at passersby, you might start by watching people from a distance and rewarding calm behaviour, gradually decreasing the distance as your dog becomes more comfortable.
If it is due to being indoors and seeing movement outside, try to restrict the view if you can, such as moving a sofa away from a window. Trying distraction techniques too such as playing with a toy when you feel they may be about to bark, such as someone going to knock on the door, can help them gradually ignore exterior noise.
4 – Creating a Comfortable Environment
Reducing the likelihood of your dog barking at external sounds and distractions can often be achieved by creating a more secure environment. Soundproofing measures or background noise like a radio or TV can help mask external sounds that trigger barking. As mentioned, restricting their view towards roads or passersby will also help them feel calmer.
Another part of creating a comfortable environment is to not make the situation worse, for example, don’t tell your dog off for barking as this may raise their anxiety. It can be easy to do, but not showing your frustration and instead using distractions and rewarding with a treat for quiet behaviour can be much more effective. A happier, more comfortable home life for your dog balanced with lots of exercise outside can be just the trick to curb too much barking.
Patience & Consistency Pays Off
Tackling excessive barking needs a balance of understanding, patience, and consistency. As a pet owner, you need to keep at it and maintain a positive attitude, and whilst it may take time to work, the results will be worth it in the long term.
Every dog is unique and will have their reasons for barking more than others, so finding the right combination of techniques that works for your pet will be key. Sometimes, you may want to see what help there is if you are finding it difficult to help your dog. Just like with training your dog, getting professional advice can make the experience much easier if the techniques you’re trying or not seemingly working.
You can find certified animal behaviourists and qualified professionals through organisations like the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) in your area, with plenty throughout the UK. Speaking with your vet can also help rule out any issues that might be contributing to the barking too.