How to Stop Your Dog From Barking

Barking is your dog’s way of chatting – 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 behaviour 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 the postie, 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.

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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 behaviourist.

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 on to something more positive and help tire them out.

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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, then reward 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 (ie, before going for a walk or being fed) is harder to work with because your pre-departure or pre-food cues are usually highly ritualised. 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 lead, drop the lead and sit down.

Keep repeating this until your dog is quiet. If you successfully attach the lead 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/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, as separation anxiety can be a very difficult behaviour to modify.

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5. The trigger: territorial/alarm

The fix: if your dog barks excitedly in the garden, for example, immediately take them back into the house and only allow them out again when they’re quiet. Keep repeating if necessary, but never leave them in the garden 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 socialisation 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 behaviour – 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 behavioural 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 behaviour that you desire (ie, they stop barking when you cue them or they refrain from barking when they normally would), reward it with their favourite treat. Over time, they will learn that not barking is better.

Frequently asked questions

When should I seek professional help for my dog’s barking?

If you are having a hard time with your dog around other dogs or strangers, you should get the help of a positive reinforcement professional dog trainer.

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.

References:

• Excess Barking: a More Complex Problem Than it Would Appear

• Barking in Family Dogs: an Ethological Approach

• Barking in Domestic Dogs: Context Specificity and Individual Identification

• Acoustic Parameters of Dog Barks Carry Emotional Information For Humans

• Noise in Dog Kennelling: is Barking a Welfare Problem For Dogs?

• Assessment and Treatment of Excessive Barking in the Domestic Dog

• How to Tell if Your Dog is in Pain

• Why Does My Dog Bark at Nothing?

• Decoding Your Dog’s Excessive Barking

• Barking in Dogs