How to Stop a Dog from Barking

It’s expected that dogs bark. It’s a natural form of communication for them to alert you to situations, from the mailman’s arrival to an intruder. However, excessive barking can be an issue for you, your neighbors, and your dog. Understanding why dogs do it and how to curb it can create a better home environment and relationship between you and your dog. Here, find out why dogs bark, when dog barking is excessive, and how to prevent dog barking.

Why Do Dogs Bark?

Dogs bark to communicate. There are many things they want to communicate, and the barks might even sound different. Reasons for dogs barking include:

• To alert: Dogs can bark to warn owners of potential intruders, even if it’s only a neighbor. Some dog breeds, such as the German Shepherd and the Siberian Husky, were bred to guard and bark to alert. 
• Territorial behavior: Barking at humans or other dogs happens when a dog is being territorial and trying to safeguard their space. 
• Excitement: Dogs can bark when happy, such as when they see you arrive home or during playtime. Puppy dogs are extra excitable and, therefore, bark a lot. 
• Attention: If your dog is bored, hungry, frustrated, or wants to play, they might bark at you. 
• Anxiety: Some dogs bark if they have separation anxiety, are fearful of things like thunder or fireworks, or are generally on high alert.

When is Dog Barking Excessive?

It’s normal for dogs to bark, and some breeds bark more than others. But excessive barking is a problem that needs to be addressed. Barking might be excessive if:

• It is frequent
• It goes on for a long time
• It disrupts day-to-day routines or sleeping
• It’s distressing to you or others

If your dog is barking excessively, they might be anxious, under-stimulated, bored, or having a medical issue. Try to find the cause of the barking to address the root issue. It’ll be important to read any accompanying body language, such as flat ears, alert tails, or enlarged pupils, to figure out why your dog is barking excessively.

How to Stop Your Dog from Barking

If your dog is excessively barking, there are a few things you can do to try and get the behavior to stop, such as:

1. Identify the reason. Some patterns might be easy to see, such as dogs that always bark when people pass by or when you leave, but some might need more investigation. Write down barking times and places so that you can look at them overall to find a pattern.
2. Remove the triggers if you can. Predictable things, like the mailman coming, can be fixed relatively easily, such as by drawing the curtains or closing a door. It’s harder to remove triggers like squirrels or people walking by. 
3. Exhaust your dog mentally and physically. Tired dogs don’t have time to bark out of frustration or boredom. 
4. Socialize them. Socialized dogs are well-mannered and able to be more confident in unknown situations. Expose them to different places, people, and things to reduce fear-based barking. 
5. Use commands. Training a dog to obey a “quiet” or “settle” command can go a long way in managing barking. 
6. Use a sound machine. Hide outside noises by using a sound machine or calming music. 
7. Get professional help. A trainer can help if the problem persists and you think your dog is becoming aggressive, as can a vet, who can check your dog out for medical conditions like anxiety.

Do Dog Bark Collars Work?

Bark collars are not recommended by most trainers to control barking in dogs. They are quick fixes, but they can also stress a dog out. They don’t help fix the issue of why the dog is barking in the first place, either. Instead, try focusing on positive reinforcement training and removing situations that would cause your dog to bark. This likely will get you better results and help deepen your relationship with your pet.

Do Some Dog Breeds Bark More Than Others?

Yes, some dog breeds are more vocal than others. Breeds that were originally bred to guard, hunt, or herd will alert their owners by barking. That includes dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers, Beagles, Rottweilers, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, and more. Many of these dog breeds can be taught to overcome their instincts and might bark less with positive reinforcement training and socialization.

Breeds of dogs that don’t bark as much include Great Danes, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Whippets, and Greyhounds. While they do still bark, they are less inclined to excessive barking.

The Difference Between Barking, Howling, and Growling

It’s important to know the difference between barking, howling, and growling in your dog. They each serve a purpose.

• Barking: Barking is sharp and loud. Dogs use it to express their emotions or alert their owners.
• Howling: Long and usually low-pitched, dogs originally howled for long-distance pack communication. Today, dogs can howl out of boredom, frustration, or because they hear high-pitched sounds that sound like pack howling. 
• Growling: Low and rumbling, growling is usually a warning sign from your dog that lets them know they are uncomfortable or that they might become aggressive.

Dog Barking Prevention

It’s better if you can prevent excessive barking altogether before it becomes a problem. It can be harder to fix the problem once it’s already a habit. To prevent excessive dog barking:

• Use training early. Training is your first defense in preventing excessive barking. Teach puppies when it’s appropriate to bark, and help them master “quiet” or “settle” commands. 
• Reduce triggers. If it’s possible, reduce their exposure to anxiety-inducing situations where they might feel they need to bark, such as when people come to your house. Reduce their access to places like windows where they might bark all day long, especially when you are not home, so that they don’t have opportunities to practice barking.
• Socialize them. Socializing your dogs often can help reduce barking related to anxiety.
• Give them plenty of stimulation. Dogs need mental and physical stimulation. Higher energy breeds will need more to tire them out. Training sessions, free running, long walks, puzzles, and more can help make them more relaxed.
• Be consistent. Dogs thrive on routines. Make sure you feed, walk, and play with them at regular intervals so that they know what to expect and are less anxious. 
• Reward good behavior. Using positive reinforcement methods, you can reward your dog when they successfully execute a “quiet” or “settle” command, or exhibit calm behavior in a stressful situation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Barking

How to Drive Safely While a Dog is Barking

It can be stressful to have your dog barking while you are driving. First and foremost, focus on the road ahead of you and avoid engaging with the dog by yelling or responding in any way. If someone else is in the car, you can stop any possible barking by having them sit near the dog to calm them. Training a dog to understand a “quiet” command can be incredibly helpful in stressful situations like a car ride; you can also take them to parking lots and work on car training while you are not actively driving.

When Does Your Dog Stop Barking When in a Crate?

Crate training can be a wonderful way to get your dog to relax, but crate training can also be a stressful process for both dog and owner. They will stop barking in their crates once they feel their crate is a safe space and not a punishment, so keep with positive reinforcement training. While some dogs, especially when introduced early and with positive reinforcement, can quickly get used to being in their crate, it can take other dogs longer. Consistency is key. Never use a crate as punishment; it should be a dog’s safe place to relax.

How to Train a Dog Not to Bark

It’s best to train your dog not to bark before it becomes a problem. This can be achieved by using positive reinforcement tactics and rewarding them for good, calm behavior, and by using commands like “quiet” or “settle.” Be consistent and patient with your dog.

Why is My Dog Barking at Nothing?

Dogs have keen senses of smell and hearing, and they might smell or hear something alarming well before you do. They might also be anxious, and every little noise makes them jump. They could also be having a medical episode. If it seems like your dog is barking at nothing and it’s a pattern, call your veterinarian.

Conclusion

Dogs are bound to bark, as it’s an instinct for them. Excessive barking can be tackled, but it requires work, consistency, and patience from you. You can help your dog communicate more effectively through good training and socialization.

For more expert tips on dog behavior, explore our other understanding dog articles.