Why is My Dog Barking at Me?
In a word; communication. Whether your dog is barking at other dogs, animals or you, just like people, some pooches have more to say for themselves than others. And while one dog might think it urgent to warn you about every car that happens to pass your front window, others would barely raise an eyebrow.
Excessive dog barking or howling often runs in the family. Take your typical terrier, for instance. Not so long ago, they were expected to shoot down animal holes and shout if they saw something interesting. If they got stuck underground and couldn’t turn around, their life depended on being able to make some serious noise to summon the rescue posse.
So for many breeds, a loud voice has served them well over the generations. Useful if you’re a working dog; but if you live in a flat below a neighbour who works the night shift, not so much.
Why is My Dog Barking at Nothing?
Chances are, your buddy’s either asking a question, telling you what they’re feeling or looking for some reassurance. Common triggers for barking include the following…
- Territorial: Some dogs are more precious about their territory than others. If they see or hear anyone else on their territory, sounding the alarm is a natural response.
- Attention seeking: Surely it’s dinner time? Anyone fancy a game? How about another run around the block? A dog’s needs are usually pretty simple: to be fed, watered, taken out - and lots of playtime in between. Barking can just be their way of telling you they need something.
- Compulsive barking: This is sometimes accompanied by repetitive movements such as pacing up and down. It can be a sign of frustration or anxiety - e.g. through being left alone for long periods.
The ‘cure’ for the bark depends a lot on what’s causing it. Here are five ways to deal with it in a range of situations…
How to Stop Dog Barking in 5 Easy Steps
How to stop a dog barking depends a lot on what’s causing it. You do need to understand what triggers your dog. These could be noises, it could be territorial, it could be a protective impulse, or even a lack of mental stimulation, for example.
Once you have your dog's triggers, then you can work on to how to stop your dog from barking? Here are five ways to teach your dog to stop in a range of situations…
1. No Yelling!
That squirrel’s been sighted in the back garden again. As far as your buddy is concerned, this is something you absolutely need to know about right now.
So he sounds the alarm. If you start shouting, then as far as he’s concerned you’re both getting excited at the same thing. You’re basically egging him on.
Instead, show your dog barking at strangers is not cool. Ignore him. Relax and walk casually out of the room. You’re the pack leader - and the fact that you’re not bothered by something can often be enough to convince them that they shouldn’t get excited by it either.
If they successfully ignore their arch-nemesis, ensure you're rewarding your dog for their paw-fect behaviour.
2. Set Up a Barrier
This one’s for those dogs who are good as gold - except when they catch sight of anything interesting outside your window.
A simple sight barrier can be an instant fix. It doesn’t have to mean closing the curtains. Think instead about frosted static cling window film; it lets the light in, but blocks their view.
3. Teach the “Quiet” Command
This can be useful for stopping your dog barking at people or every time the doorbell rings. If your dog can recognise a specific command to stop barking, they’re much more likely to respond to it.
The first step actually involves encouraging your dog to bark (so they know the difference between ‘loud’ and ‘quiet’). With a treat at the ready, give your buddy the command to “speak”. While they’re barking, give them a treat. Repeat this process until your dog responds to the “speak” command on cue by barking.
Now, give a new command; “quiet”. If they keep barking, wait until they stop. When they do stop, give them a treat with lots of praise. Eventually, your dog will grasp that they are being rewarded for stopping barking. So when the doorbell rings, they are likely to start barking again, but you now have a specific command (“quiet”) to address that unwanted behaviour.
4. Help Your Dog Get Over Their Anxiety
Apart from the odd stressful situation, like the dreaded Bonfire Night, you didn’t think your dog was much of a barker. But then you learn from your neighbour that your he barks from the moment you leave the house for the office each morning!
There are some practical steps you can take to get your dog used to being on their own all day - from gradually increasing the length of time you are out of the home, through to providing toys and other sources of stimulus while you’re away.
Our guide, How to Deal with Dog Separation Anxiety can help you with a behaviour modification plan.
5. Walkies!
Where boredom or frustration is causing a dog to bark, look out for ways to release some of that pent-up energy. Physical and mental exercise for your dog is always recommended, especially if they've been cooped up inside all day.
Taking into account their breed, age, and any health issues, are they getting all the exercise they need? Is there scope for ramping up the length of your daily walk?
Dogs love games and new challenges. Particularly for active breeds, agility training could be just the hobby your dog is looking for. Even the addition of a few new puzzle toys can make a big difference.
Your dog will still make their voice heard (we wouldn’t have it any other way!). But following some of these tips should be able to help you keep the volume down when needed.
If you still can't understand why your dog is excessively barking, then it might be worth contacting a dog trainer, or a qualified behaviourist in order to understand what else is triggering your pooch.
Everypaw Dog Insurance
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