My Dog Won't Stop Barking!

Why Dogs Bark

Barking is one of the main ways that dogs communicate. Dogs may bark for a variety of reasons: to warn off intruders, seek attention, express excitement, as a way of greeting, or to voice frustration or distress.[2] Barking is normal, but can cause problems when it becomes chronic or disruptive.

Factors that influence a dog's barking intensity and frequency include breed, age, training and socialization. Certain breeds (many terriers or guard breeds) are more prone to barking, while others (like sight hounds) tend to be quieter.[3] Puppies typically first learn to bark around 4-5wk of age as they start interacting with other animals and people[9]. One study showed that owner-reported "undesirable" barking in young dogs peaked at 12mo old (with 1 in 7.5 dog parents reporting the behavior) then gradually decreased as the dog approached 18mo old.[4] Early training and socialization play big roles as well: for dogs that attended puppy training at 6mo or younger, owners were 32% less likely to report problematic barking.[5]

Whether your dog is a puppy or senior, your dog isn't barking to be "bad", they're trying to tell you something. Most dogs bark in reaction to environmental stimuli and studies suggest that barking plays an important role in dog-human communication.[1][6]

Common Types of Barking

Understanding why your dog is barking is the first step to helping manage the behavior. Here are six common types of barking and potential ways to address them. Your dog may bark for more than one reason, so you may need multiple approaches.

Alarm Barking

Sound the alarm! Your pup hears or sees something sudden or unfamiliar and barks to alert you and others. Their body language is "on-guard" and may include a stiff and upright posture or lunging a few inches forward with each bark. This is also known as Territorial Barking, when barking occurs at home, in your car or yard, or wherever else your pup considers its territory.[2]

Dogs were bred for generations to alert humans to potential threats, guard homes, and communicate through barking, but a dog that won't stop barking at every passerby can be understandably problematic. To help manage the behavior, try reducing the triggers for barking and train an alternate response to those triggers.

First, set your dog up for success by removing the reasons for going on guard duty 24/7. Reduce bark-triggering stimuli (people, animals, etc.) by obscuring views with blinds, window film, or a fence, and masking noises with music, TV, or white noise machine.[7] Then you can try training alternate, approved behaviors. For example, teach and reward your dog for going to their mat or crate when someone is at the door, so they have an alternative to barking.

You can also teach "quiet" commands through positive reinforcement. If you're walking by another dog or person, distract your dog before they bark with praise and treats. If you're at home, allow them to bark a few times, but then train them to "not" bark by giving a command and only rewarding them with treats when they're quiet.[2]

Attention-Seeking Barking

Your pup may be barking at you for dinner, for play, or whenever they want something. They can learn that barking gets them what they want, especially if it often works. You may be unintentionally reinforcing the behavior by giving your pup attention when they bark, such as eye contact, scolding, or petting.

For attention-seeking barkers, try ignoring their barking by using clear body language (turning or walking away, looking at the ceiling). Focus on "not" rewarding the unwanted behavior and only rewarding quiet behavior. This may take some adjustment, since you may not be reacting to your dog "on purpose", but to your dog the reaction itself is a reward.

Teaching alternate and quiet behaviors works here as well. For example, if your dog barks when they want you to throw their ball, ignore them until they're quiet, then throw the ball.[2] If your dog tends to start barking when you sit down at your computer, try giving them something to keep busy before they start barking, such as a chew bone or puzzle feeder. You can also teach your dog to "speak" and "be quiet" through positive training, then cue and reward for the quiet behavior. By giving your dog attention when they engage in "approved" behaviors, they can gradually learn that it's not necessary to bark for attention.

Excitement and Frustration Barking

An excited or frustrated dog may also express themselves through barking. This can happen when your pup is anticipating a walk or playtime, when they see another dog and want to play, or if they're confined, can't get to what they want, or are separated from playmates.

For this type of barking, try decreasing your dog's exposure to stimuli (if possible) and focus on obedience training. It may seem straightforward, but your pup may need help to reduce impulses and learn control. For example, find a quieter walking route, install a solid fence and gate so your dog isn't as exposed to passerbys, and teach your dog to sit, stay, or wait when they're in an excitement-inducing situation.[2]

Social and Greeting Barking

Related to excitement barking, your dog may bark in social situations around other dogs or when they greet you or a playmate. Since barking is a primary means of communication, many dogs bark in greeting and it's natural for them to bark around other dogs.

Like excitement and frustration barking, reducing barking triggers plus obedience and "quiet" training also work for social and greeting barking.[2]

Separation Anxiety Barking

Your dog may seem to act out or show signs of distress, including barking, when you leave the house. Dogs are social animals and being left alone or a change in routine can trigger anxiety and stress. In these cases, your pup may show other anxiety symptoms as well, like howling, chewing on your things, pacing, attempts to escape, or drooling. Separation anxiety is a common problem and may look different for each dog, from agitation or depression when their humans are leaving to barking and destruction while their humans are gone.[8]

If you suspect your dog has separation anxiety, try addressing the underlying stress by teaching your dog to enjoy (or at least tolerate) when you're gone. Before you leave, provide treats, chews, and puzzle toys as distractions and a safe retreat (like a bed or crate). This may work if your dog has mild separation anxiety. If their case is more severe, it may take more gradual conditioning, for example short separations to longer durations over time. Your veterinarian or a certified dog behaviorist can help with a tailored plan.

Compulsive Barking

Less commonly, dogs can develop compulsion barking where they bark repetitively for no clear reason. They may also show other compulsive behaviors such as spinning in circles or jumping while barking. This behavior can sometimes stem from an underlying neurological issue. If you suspect your dog may be a compulsive barker, seek help from your veterinarian or a certified dog behaviorist.

What You Can Do

• Rule out medical issues: Illness and injury can cause barking, so first see your veterinarian to rule out potential medical reasons.
• Identify the types of barking and causes: Understanding why your dog is barking can help you develop an effective approach to manage the behavior.
• Remove or reduce barking triggers: Set your dog up for success by removing or reducing exposure to known triggers.
• Teach your dog alternative behaviors: Use positive rewards-based training to teach alternate behaviors and encourage less barking.[10]
• Provide lots of mental stimulation and play: A mentally stimulated and well-exercised dog is less likely to need barking to burn energy and communicate.[7]

Animal experts agree that rewards-based training is more effective and humane than punishment or aversive-based methods (unpleasant stimuli to discourage unwanted behaviors). Aside from having a negative impact on your dog's welfare and potentially hurting the bond between you and your dog, punishment and aversive methods can make barking worse and cause other unwanted anxiety and stress-related behaviors.[10]

Remember you're not alone! Behavior change can take time, but with consistency, you can help your pup manage their barking. Try asking Pet Helpr to get custom advice for your dog. If you need more help, consult your veterinarian or a certified dog behaviorist.