Barking: Tips to help your dog and your neighbourhood

There are many reasons why your dog may be barking. But the most important thing to remember is that there’s always a reason. This could simply be boredom, or your dog needs some attention. But in a few instances, it could be because they feel anxious or are experiencing discomfort. 

🔍 Identify the reason

It’s a good idea to monitor the situation closely and take a mental note of when and where your dog barks. This could help identify (and eventually control) potential triggers. 

Here are some reasons why your dog may be barking:

• They are communicating how they feel - they could be startled, anxious, or confused because they are in an unfamiliar environment or have encountered an unfamiliar human or object. Alternatively, they could be barking because they’re feeling excited or happy when they’re playing with you. 

• Asking for help - Barking could be an indication that your dog is asking for help with something that is important to them eg. asking you to throw their ball or asking for a treat that’s on the table.

✅ Try some of these tips to keep them from barking:

• Avoid triggers - For example, if your dog is triggered by the neighbourhood cat then try to keep the blinds drawn or keep your dog indoors so they won’t see them. Similarly, if you know the delivery man or the postman is about to turn up, distract your dog or put them in a room where they won’t know. That’s one less barking incident for the day and can make a huge difference when you’ve had complaints.

• When you aren’t home, leave your TV or radio on so they feel like someone is home. It also helps to mask some external noises that may trigger them.

• Try enrichment activities like using treat dispensers or slow feeders so it takes them longer to eat, and keeps them occupied. You can also hide treats around your home which they can sniff out. Sniffing is a really good way to tire a dog out as it provides mental stimulation.

• Another way to keep them occupied is by using a Kong. Fill it with wet dog food, freeze it and then leave it for them to try and eat when at home.

• If you tell them off for barking, reward them when they stop. This signals that they did something good and it’s excellent positive reinforcement. By telling them off and then leaving it like that, they aren’t going to associate anything good with the interaction and won’t learn. Deal with it like when you were training them as a pup - back to basics.

• If they can hold their bladder, keep them inside to sleep at night so they can’t run in and out barking.

• Keep them entertained - food toys, chew toys, a sandpit to bury treats and dig up. Mental stimulation is important as barking can be a sign of boredom.

• Get them out for a walk and allow them to sniff. Not only does it tire them physically, but mentally too.

• Try to cover any gaps in fences, doors etc that they can see through which can cause them to bark at anything passing by.
   

Here a few resources that can help you with more tips and information related to excessive barking:

Excessive Dog Barking - Tips and Advice - Australian Dog Lover

My dog is barking excessively, what should I do? - RSPCA