Why does your dog keep barking?

Barking is a normal part of our dogs communication, it can be used to communicate a whole array of different feelings. This can include fear, frustration, excitement, territorial behaviour, separation anxiety and learned responses. Determining the trigger and underlying emotion responsible for barking can be tricky.

Although barking is completely normal it can be a nuisance for you, your family and neighbours. It can be embarrassing on walks or lead to judgement by others if your dog is barking at different stimuli. It can also indicate that your dog is struggling with its environment or some of its needs are not being met. If your dog barks excessively or for long periods of time you may need to seek professional support. If your dogs behaviour has changed suddenly it would be worth having a check up at the vets in case there is an unuderlying medical condition.

Stop any punishment

It is important that you do not punish your dog for barking. Barking is normal and rather than simply suppressing the behaviour we need to understand why they are barking and address that issue instead. Punishment may make your dog scared of or confused by your actions. This could cause an increase in the barking or lead to them feeling more fearful and worried. This includes "anti bark" devices such as citronella, pressurised air collars or ultrasonic devices.

Avoid the triggers

This may be things your dog finds scary or they get frustrated that they cannot get to but reducing access to those triggers while awaiting professional support will help reduce the barking. Avoiding practicing the behaviour will also avoid reinforcing the behaviour. Professionals can then help address the underlying emotion to the thing they bark at.

If your dogs bark at people passing -

• Restricting access to the front windows

• Use window film to block the view.

• Move furniture so they cannot stand on it to see out.

• Place a radio on the windowsill to muffle sounds.

  
  

If your dog barks at dogs or people on walks -

• Quiet walking routes.

• Driving somewhere to avoid walking down busy pavements.

• Hire secure fields for stress free activities.

  
  

Ensure your dogs needs are met

Some dogs may become vocal if they are bored or have too much excess energy. While the underlying emotion may still need to be addressed, ensuring they have adequate physical and mental stimulation can be beneficial.

Stimulation does not just mean walking or chasing a ball around. These activities can be anything that engages a dogs brain or encourages movement such as -

• Search games

• Long lasting chews

• Food puzzles

• Find its

• Toy play

• Trick training

• Walks in new places

• Bringing new smells into the home.

These tips will hopefully enable you to reduce your dogs barking. If they don't then further professional support may be needed to fully understand the underlying emotions leading to the barking and come up with a plan to help your dog feel better.