Dogs bark for many reasons—it’s a key way of expressing themselves.  Most people want their dog to bark in certain situations such as alerting to intruders.  However, when it becomes excessive people quickly look to put an end to nuisance barking.  Understanding the “why” behind your dog’s barking allows you to stop the barking effectively using positive, force-free methods.

A Means of Communication

Dogs communicate in a variety of ways.  Barking is a natural behavior and a big part of canine communication.  While body language is their primary means of expression barking provides supplemental information.  Dogs often bark to alert you to changes in the environment.  Your dog could be expressing anxiety about potential dangers or excitement about a favorite friend.  Puppies often bark when they are left alone bored and it is also common in adult dogs with separation anxiety.  Context is highly relevant.

Identifying the Trigger

Observe your dog’s body language to get clues about the motivation behind the barking.  Is your dog constantly on alert and have a hard time relaxing?  These dogs are more likely to bark persistently even when the trigger is imperceptible by human standards.  Listen for noises like car doors or squirrel chatter and look for unusual items or people in the environment to pinpoint triggers. Some dogs arouse quickly during play and express their excitement through barking.  Learning to recognize early signs of arousal will warn you to impending barking.  Identifying the root cause determines the approach to reduce the barking.

Managing Arousal

Reduce exposure to environmental triggers to minimize as much barking as possible.  For some dogs this means using visual barriers to reduce line of sight.  You could use window cling or close the blinds or even block off access to that entire living area.  Sound machines or television can reduce sensitivity to sounds that make your dogs bark.  That’s assuming that the trigger isn’t present on the television, of course.  If your dog barks excessively because they’re being left alone, the only sure way to reduce barking is to avoid absences.  You could leave your dog with a family member or drop them off at Doggy Daycare.  Daycare can be problematic for dogs that bark due to over-arousal.  Rehearsing the behavior repeatedly in an exciting environment will make it very challenging to reduce.  Medications to reduce hyperactivity and anxiety are highly recommended when the barking is uncontrolled through standard management attempts.

Enrich Their Day

If your dog is barking out of boredom they need to have more outlets for their energy.  Dogs are designed to spend their time searching and seeking sustenance and resources.  When life it too easy they get bored.  Use puzzle toys, interactive games, or short training sessions to increase mental stimulation.  Physical exercise is also important.  Routine exercise and problem solving activities will leave your dog with less motivation to bark.  

Redirect and Reward

Dog’s often bark at visual and audible triggers because they have developed a negative conditioned emotional response.  When they hear or see these triggers it results in a fight or flight response.  Barking can quickly become a conditioned behavior as the dog perceives it as successful for reducing their associated stress.  In order to resolve and reduce the barking you have several options.  You can reward the ‘least’ expression of the behavior.  For example, if your dog barks reward them after the first bark.  Do this consistently until your dog expects a reward for barking.  This puts the behavior into a conscious decision versus a reflexive mindset.  Soon, your dog will bark once and then look to you for input, at which point you can reward or redirect to another activity.  Alternatively, you can replace excessive barking with an desirable behavior.  Using the process of creating a conditioned reinforcer teach your dog that the sound or sight of the historical triggers means that a tasty treat is waiting for them in a safe space.  For instance, if your dog barks at the doorbell, train them to go to a mat when they hear it. Reinforce this new behavior with treats, toys, or praise.

Desensitize Gradually

Dogs that are reactive to certain triggers often benefit from counter conditioning and desensitization.  A knowledgeable Certified Professional Dog Trainer can help you with this process.  Low intensity triggers are introduced from safe distances so your dog remains calm during this process.  The trigger can then be paired with a reward so that over time your dog forms a positive conditioned emotional response.  The intensity and proximity are gradually increased overtime allowing your dog to better tolerate exposure to the trigger.  

Patience is Key

Addressing barking takes consistency and time.  Punishment can confuse your dog or make barking worse.  Instead, focus on celebrating small successes and building trust through positive reinforcement.

Barking isn’t “bad”—it’s your dog’s voice. With understanding and patience, you can help your dog channel their communication in ways that don’t make you reach for the earplugs.

-Emily Coleman, CBCC

Understanding What they Have to Say

Fear of Being Alone

Many dogs bark excessively when they are left alone.  Treating Separation Anxiety is a complex multi-faceted approach that requires suspended absences, medication, and diligent training sessions to teach your dog that it’s okay to be alone!

If you’re feeling like you’re chained to your dog and home, we can help!