Barking is pretty much the most natural thing in the world for a dog. It’s very normal behaviour and one key way in which dogs communicate, with us, with other dogs and with the world. There are a host of reasons why dogs may bark. Perhaps they are calling out to another dog, expressing emotion or just trying to attract their owner’s attention. It may be a warning or they may be protecting their territory. It may also be a reaction to an unfamiliar noise or activity, such as the wind, the slamming of a door, a car engine or children playing.
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How to stop excessive barking
It may be a health issue or even the fact that your dog is getting old. However, there are behavioral issues which often entail excessive barking. Fear, boredom, anxiety, being left alone can all trigger excessive barking. When dogs bark endlessly, it can create problems, for you, for the dog and of course, with the neighbors. When this happens there are usually underlying issues and you need to identify the cause so you can take the necessary action before things get out of hand.
Find the trigger
When you find your dog is barking excessively then the first thing you need to do is find out why. Is your barking repeatedly under particular circumstances? Are they trying to get your attention. Are they irritated,
trying to protect their territory? Are they barking when they are stuck at home alone and you’re not around? It may be that the same neighbors who are complaining about the disturbance can help you understand the nature of the problem.
Common trigger situations are when a dog is scared, perhaps of another dog or unfamiliar humans. Strange noises from power, tools, vacuum cleaners and other household appliances can also trigger a response, as can cars or trucks driving past. Just like human dogs have their “pet peeves” and small things that simply annoy them. It is important for you to find out what they are.
Reset Behavior
Once you’ve identified the trigger, it’s time to address the underlying issue. Perhaps simple obedience training can reset your dog’s brain to not associate the trigger with a need to bark. Such training involves using rewards-based, or positive reinforcement, to teach your dog what ‘good’ behavior is. Be aware however, it may take some time and demand patience.
Slowly expose your dog to their trigger, and reward them whenever they don’t bark. For example, if they bark every time the hoover is switched on, then switch it on for a short time and then give them a treat when they don’t bark. Switch it off and then on again for a longer time, again rewarding them if they don’t bark. If they do bark, then of course, no treats and also better to ignore them until you turn it off.
Eventually they will learn that they get both a treat and attention when they don’t bark. Likewise, if your dog’s barking is a way of gaining your attention, make sure to only give them attention when they are quiet and not barking.
You need to be consistent and patient. Make sure not to shout at your dog when they bark, as it will only encourage them.
Reset Behaviour
Once you’ve identified the trigger, it’s time to address the underlying issue. Perhaps simple obedience training can reset your dog’s brain to not associate the trigger with a need to bark. Such training involves using rewards-based, or positive reinforcement, to teach your dog what ‘good’ behaviour is. Be aware however, it may take some time and demand patience.
Slowly expose your dog to their trigger, and reward them whenever they don’t bark. For example, if they bark every time the hoover is switched on, then switch it on for a short time and then give them a treat when they don’t bark. Switch it off and then on again for a longer time, again rewarding them if they don’t bark. If they do bark, then of course, no treats and also better to ignore them until you turn it off.
Eventually they will learn that they get both a treat and attention when they don’t bark. Likewise, if your dog’s barking is a way of gaining your attention, make sure to only give them attention when they are quiet and not barking.
You need to be consistent and patient. Make sure not to shout at your dog when they bark, as it will only encourage them.
Living conditions, routine and environment
You may also want to look at their living conditions, routines and environment and make any changes you think could help. Perhaps they are not getting enough exercise, so maybe get up a little earlier in the morning and take them out for a good walk or run around. If the creaking gate makes them bark, fix it. If your dog is left alone in the day while you are at work, then make sure they have enough stimulation, toys, puzzles or whatever. You could also consider a dog walker to take them out in the day and maybe make some new doggy friends. Dogs are social animals and generally don’t like to be left alone.
Sometimes when dogs bark excessively in response to a particular stimulus, such as people passing by the front gate, a simple environmental solution such as blocking their view can resolve the problem. Be aware that if your dog sleeps outdoors, there will be many sounds that could potentially trigger barking, strangers walking past,
other dogs barking, or even the wind, so you could bring your dog into the house at night where they will learn to sleep quietly.
You may also want to look at their living conditions, routines and environment and make any changes you think could help. Perhaps they are not getting enough exercise, so maybe get up a little earlier in the morning and take them out for a good walk or run around. If the creaking gate makes them bark, fix it. If your dog is left alone in the day while you are at work, then make sure they have enough stimulation, toys, puzzles or whatever. You could also consider a dog walker to take them out in the day and maybe make some new doggy friends. Dogs are social animals and generally don’t like to be left alone.
Sometimes when dogs bark excessively in response to a particular stimulus, such as people passing by the front gate, a simple environmental solution such as blocking their view can resolve the problem. Be aware that if your dog sleeps outdoors, there will be many sounds that could potentially trigger barking, strangers walking past,
other dogs barking, or even the wind, so you could bring your dog into the house at night where they will learn to sleep quietly.
Communicate with the neighbors
You may actually first learn about your dogs barking problems from neighbours, some understanding and some less so. If your dog’s barking is annoying the neighbours, you do have options. Hopefully they’ll approach you in person or leave you a note, which provides you with the opportunity to thank them for letting you know and for a frank conversation about how you will deal with the problem.
If however, they go to the police or complain to the local council, then you want to have a plan to address the situation to the satisfaction of the authorities. This should avoid any fines or unpleasantries.
Bottom line, whether it is brought to your attention, or if you think your dog has a barking problem, initiating a conversation with neighbours, being open and honest about the issue and explaining what you’re going to do about it, should stop things from getting out of hand.
Maybe ask your vet
In extreme excessive barking cases, you may decide that you need some help, and approaching your Vet for help and guidance is a good idea. You never know the problem may also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that you were not aware of.
It’s about your dogs wellbeing
At the end of the day, you love your dog and want them to be healthy, happy and active. Just as it can be unpleasant for you and your neighbours, so too it can be an issue for your dog. So for the sake of all and the wellbeing of your dog, make sure to address the issue in the best way possible.
