Do you have a dog that barks?
Do you have a dog that barks at everything? Sometimes it may seem like dogs bark for no reason, but that's not the case. Like us humans, dogs can communicate in many ways. Barking is one of them, and is a completely natural part of being a dog. However, some dogs are more known for talking more than others, such as the Chihuahua , the Spitz, and the Pug . By barking, dogs can let you know when there are strangers outside the house, or if something is making them feel unsafe or scared. Dogs can also bark for attention when they think it's time for you to put down your phone and play with it instead!
When does the dog bark too much?
Barking is a natural behavior and a way to communicate and express yourself. But if it barks continuously all day long, it can actually become a big problem for you, your dog, and your neighbors. Few people find the sound of barking relaxing. And if it's something your dog is trying to communicate but you can't get it, it can also be frustrating for your four-legged friend. So what do you do with a dog that barks nonstop? Remember that dogs don't bark to annoy you, but to express something. That's why it's important not to yell or splash water on a barking dog . We can tell a lot by paying attention to how fast your dog barks, the pitch of his voice, and the duration. But the most important thing if you want to stop a dog that barks, is to identify the source of why it started.
Why is the dog barking?
Dogs bark for many reasons. It can be for pleasure when you take out the leash because they know you are going for a walk, or because they want attention and treats . Sometimes dogs bark because they are understimulated . If your dog is bored, they may start barking a lot, or develop other unwanted behaviors, such as biting your sofa cushions. As dogs age, this can also affect their cognitive function. If you have a senior dog who has suddenly started barking all the time, either because they can't find their way out of corners or from behind furniture, this could indicate that they are barking out of confusion and suffering from dementia. Barking is therefore a useful tool to understand your dog better.
If your dog is otherwise healthy but barks constantly, it is certainly possible to reduce this, although it may take time. Let's take a closer look at some of the reasons why your dog barks and what you can do to create a calmer environment.
3 Reasons for Excessive Barking
Dog barking when people come
Has it come to the point where there is really no point in owning a doorbell? Many dog breeds are bred to be guard dogs, but in Norway, few are actually used for this purpose. If you have a dog that barks when the postman comes, it is just to show that it is guarding its territory. This may be cute when the puppy is small, but remember that it can become a nuisance when it gets bigger. Try to train your dog from a puppy to pay attention to you when someone comes. Give a reward when the dog becomes quiet, and you will reinforce this behavior.
A dog that barks at people to guard should not be placed in front of the entrance to the house. This is because it reinforces the dog's sense of being able to decide who is allowed in or not. If the dog is extremely territorial and barks to defend not only the house, but food or objects, it may be a good idea to contact a dog trainer or behaviorist for some extra help and advice.
Dog barking a lot inside at night
Do you have a dog that barks a lot at night? In addition to ruining your sleep, it can also take a toll on your relationship with your neighbors. If your dog barks excessively at night, there can be several reasons. One of them can be a sign of an understimulated dog . Barking can also be a way for the dog to release stored energy. Let the dog get an outlet for this energy during the day by allowing it to use its nose, head and body! Exercise and mental training, such as activity toys, are always a fun way to release your dog's energy.
Dog barking at other dogs
Do you have a dog that always barks on walks when you meet other dogs? Most dogs are social animals and love to greet everyone. It's so exciting to be exposed to new smells! If you always let your dog play when you meet other four-legged friends, your dog may bark in surprise when he sees another dog, because he knows that play and fun await! It's good to let your dog greet other dogs. But to help your dog not get so excited at the sight of other dog friends, you can, for example, let your dog interact with other dogs in ways other than playing. Let them go for walks together side by side and practice being social with other dogs. This way you will have a social dog that is used to meeting other dogs in a friendly and calm way. You can also distract with a treat for the desired behavior, and walk calmly on in an arc when you are out for a walk and meet other dogs.
Your dog may also bark when faced with other dogs because it is afraid or stressed. Build your dog's self-confidence through environmental training and socialization. Remember to reward desired behavior. The more positive experiences your dog has, the more confident your dog will become in himself and others.
How to stop dogs barking?
Barking is a natural behavior and a way of communicating. While you can't train a dog to never bark, you can learn to understand why they do it so that the barking doesn't spiral out of control. As mentioned, there are many reasons why your dog barks. It could be because they want attention, are guarding their territory, are stressed and scared, or even happy!
Find the source of the barking and get rid of it. It can be time-consuming to change unwanted behavior in an adult dog, but it's never too late. Don't give up, be consistent and patient. Remember that rewarding positive behavior is the way to go, not scolding or punishment. Talk to your veterinarian if you need advice or help in determining the cause of your dog's barking. This can also be a good idea to rule out barking due to pain and illness. Do you live in Larvik? Don't hesitate to contact our veterinary clinic in Larvik !
