Managing Excessive Barking in Dogs

While we know that vocalizing is natural for dogs, it can be very frustrating for pet owners when their animal barks excessively or seems to bark for no reason (hint: there is always a reason). It can disrupt not only your household, but the households around you if you have neighbors nearby. Understanding what the underlying issue is can help you manage the behavior effectively. This will improve both your and your dog’s quality of life… and possibly your neighbor’s, too!

(For cats, see Excessive Meowing in Cats)

Why Do Dogs Bark Excessively?

Barking is a natural behavior for dogs since they communicate through both body language and vocalization. When it becomes excessive, it can seem impossible to manage until you understand the underlying issue and how to manage it. Some common reasons include:

1. Boredom and Loneliness: Dogs are naturally social animals. When they are left alone for long periods of time, they may bark out of boredom and distress.

2. Territorial Behavior: Dogs bark to protect their territory from perceived threats, which can include the mail carrier, visitor ringing the doorbell, cars driving by, and other animals. This is a natural behavior for dogs, but it can be managed.

3. Attention-Seeking: Dogs may bark to get their owner’s attention whether that be for food, play, or affection.

4. Anxiety and Fear: Specific triggers may set your dog into a barking frenzy. This can include separation anxiety, car rides, thunderstorms, and strange people.

5. Medical Issues: It’s important to rule out underlying medical issues first. When dogs feel pain or discomfort, this can lead to increased vocalization and won’t be well managed through behavioral intervention. Seek the help of a veterinarian.

Behavioral Management Strategies:

1.  Identify the Cause:

   1. Keeping a log of when your dog barks and what seems to trigger it can help pinpoint the issue. Consult with a veterinarian to rule out medical conditions.

2. Provide Physical Exercise and Mental Stimulation:

   1. Dogs typically have a lot of energy and need to play and get exercise in order to reduce boredom. Take them on regular walks, play catch, or take them to the dog park to keep them both socially and physically active.

   2. Providing plenty of toys and puzzle feeders, as well as interacting with them through games and training can keep them mentally stimulated.

3. Manage the Environment:

   1. Creating places where the dog can hide and feel safe can help with managing anxiety and fear. You can also try calming aids like pheromone diffusers, supplements, and wraps to help ease their distress.

   2. Mask triggers by using white noise and music to cover up sounds, or creating visual barriers by closing curtains and blinds.

4. Manage the Behavior through Training:

   1. You can desensitize and counter condition the trigger by gradually exposing the dog to it while providing rewards like treats or play. This will help reduce their reaction toward specific triggers.

   2. Reward calm behavior. Whenever the dog is quiet and calm, provide treats, attention, or play. When the dog barks, avoid responding no matter how annoying it may be. Even negative attention is still attention. Wait for them to be quiet and calm.

5. Seek Professional Help:

   1. If it’s a medical issue, a veterinarian may be able to provide a treatment plan that will ease the dog’s discomfort.

   2. If it’s a behavioral problem that you are having difficulty even starting to tackle, seek a professional trainer or behaviorist’s help. You may also need to see a veterinarian to get medication that can manage your dog’s stress while you start them on a behavior management plan.

      (You can schedule a consult with Jigsaw Animal Behavior and Welfare Consulting, LLC here)

Tools and Considerations:

1. Bark Collars: These are controversial tools and can even increase the anxiety and fear that triggers your dog. Instead, seek behavioral management using fear-free techniques.

2. Dog Daycare and Dog Walkers: There are many brick-and-mortar facilities that will take your dog for the day so they can run and play with caretakers and other dogs while you are gone for long periods of time. If you don’t want to take them to a dog daycare, try looking for local listings or getting on apps such as Rover or Wag to help you find dog walkers who can drop in while you are away.

While barking may be natural for dogs, it can be annoying when it is done excessively. It’s important to understand that barking does not happen for no reason. Pinpointing the underlying issue can help you manage the behavior effectively. Make sure to rule out medical conditions by speaking with your veterinarian. Having a calm dog will not only help you, but also your dog and those around you!