The Manic Barker - Why your dog barks and how to stop it
- Planet Pup
- Nov 6, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 17
Just as humans talk, shout, or whisper depending on the situation, dogs use barking to convey various emotions and intentions. Next to body language, it is a primary form of communication. However, when the barking becomes excessive, it can be a cause of distress for both the owner and the dog. To effectively address excessive barking, it's essential to understand the 'why' before jumping into the 'how.'
Why Do Dogs Bark Excessively?
Territorial/Protective Behaviour: If a person or another animal comes into an area your dog considers its territory, that can trigger excessive barking.
Fear: Some dogs bark at any little noise or unusual thing that startles them. This can happen both in familiar environments or out in the world.
Loneliness/Boredom: Dogs are pack animals. Dogs left alone for long periods, whether in the house or outside, can become unhappy and bark excessively.
Greeting/Play: Dogs often bark when greeting people or other animals. It's usually a happy bark, accompanied by tail wags and sometimes jumping.
Attention-Seeking: Dogs bark when they want something, be it food, a toy, or attention. Often the human gives them what they want to stop the barking, thereby reinforcing it and creating more barking.
Excitement: Some dogs just can't hold it in when they get excited. It just bursts out of them in a loud and vocal nature.
Separation Anxiety/Compulsive Barking: Dogs suffering from separation anxiety or other related disorders often bark excessively and display other stress-related behaviours.
How to Address Excessive Barking:
Identify Triggers: Observe your dog's behavior to identify what triggers their excessive barking. Understanding the specific situations that lead to barking can help you tailor your training approach.
Desensitisation: If your dog barks at objects that make them nervous or excited like other animals, cars or people, desensitising them to that stimuli can help. You can work to gradually get your dog used to whatever is causing them to bark. This method rewards quiet behaviour, and in doing so shows them the correct way to behave around these stimuli.
Start with the stimulus (the person, object, noise) at a distance and feed treats. This has to be far enough away that your dog is comfortable and is not barking. If they are still barking, you need more space.
As they look at the object without barking, say "Yes!' and reward. Continue to reward every few seconds. If they start barking again, you need more distance.
Slowly move towards the stimuli, stopping every few steps and marking/rewarding your dog for not barking. If they start barking again, move backwards with them until the barking stops and try again.
Keep repeating the above steps, and over time, you will be able to get right up to the targeted object with a quiet dog.
Teach the “Quiet” Command: First, teach your dog to "speak" on command, then signal them to stop barking with a different command, like "quiet", while holding a treat in front of their nose. This needs to be done without any distractions around first, until your dog fully understands the command. You can then slowly start increasing distractions. If you ask your dog to be quiet and they dont listen, it's a sign that you need to be working in a less distracting environment.
Stay Calm and Consistent: Yelling at a barking dog can exacerbate the situation. In the dog's mind, you're barking too. Instead, use a calm, firm voice when commanding your dog to be quiet. Consistency is also key, so ensure everyone in the household responds to the barking in the same manner and that it gets responded to every time. If you let your dog bark sometimes but not others, it can create a very confusing situation for your dog.
Provide Physical and Mental Stimulation: A tired dog is less likely to bark excessively. Regular play sessions and walks can go a long way in curbing the behaviour. Include scent work and mental enrichment for an even calmer dog.
Do not reward the barking: If they bark when you leave, don’t give in and return. If they bark for food or toys, don’t give it to them.
Seek Professional Help: If the problem persists, consider seeking help from a veterinarian or professional dog trainer. Excessive barking can sometimes be a sign of a health problem, or it might need more intensive behaviour-modification training. Especially if your dog is consistently reactive or aggressive towards the stimuli, or if your dog struggles with separation anxiety, getting a professional in to help can provide you with a clear and tailored plan to get your pup to stop barking.
Provide a Safe Space: If your dog barks due to anxiety, create a safe and comfortable space where they can retreat when they feel stressed.
Conclusion
Excessive barking can be frustrating, but with patience, consistency, and understanding, you can address this behavior effectively. By identifying the underlying causes and implementing positive training methods, you'll not only reduce excessive barking but also strengthen the bond between you and your furry companion. Remember that every dog is unique, so be prepared to adjust your approach as needed to find the best solution for your canine friend.
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