Chronic dog barking is one of the most annoying issues dog owners face. When owners struggle to stop their dogs from barking, they can become frustrated, exacerbating this problem.
Chronic barkers react to anything and everything and do not stop barking, even when the threat or event ends.
While excessive or compulsive barking is often associated with small dogs, dogs of all sizes and breeds can become constant barkers under the right conditions.
What makes a dog bark?
Initially, puppies and dogs bark to attract attention, notify owners of a stranger or unusual event, or defend themselves and their property.
Most owners appreciate it when an adult dog barks to notify them when a stranger approaches, or there is a knock at the door, or the doorbell rings.
Some dogs bark with excitement when visitors arrive at your home. They want to alert you that guests have arrived.
Or perhaps your dog barks excessively at other dogs or at small animals like squirrels or rabbits.
Other dogs bark when delivery trucks arrive because they need to protect their homes.
While territorial barking has some benefits, such as alerting you to danger, the problems start when the dog does not stop barking, even when corrected.
Some chronic barkers will not stop even if removed from the room and continue to bark even if placed outside.
Usually, problem dog barking starts when the dog is bored or receives attention for barking.
Remember that to a dog, all attention is good, even negative.
Therefore, when a dog is bored, lacks attention, or has too much pent-up energy and then barks and gets yelled at, it quickly learns that barking gets human attention, which is what it wants.
Once your dog establishes a barking pattern, correcting it is more complicated.
Your best bet is to catch and stop the bad dog behavior before it develops into a chronic dog barking problem.
It can seem daunting if you believe, “I’ve tried everything, and my dog won’t stop barking.”
But the good news is you can teach your dog not to bark.
Break the dog barking habit early
Puppies are often adorable when they bark, and owners do little to correct the barking.
Once they become older, the problem becomes more annoying, but if the dog is used to barking, it’s harder to break the habit.
If you want to have a watchdog, consider using the following training method for controlled barking:
Use simple commands
When the stranger comes to the house or yard and the puppy or dog barks, immediately praise the puppy. After one or two barks, say “Enough” or “Stop” and quickly give them a toy or chew item to distract them from barking. When they take the toy, praise them for stopping and provide attention for quiet behavior.
If the puppy or dog continues to bark and doesn’t take a toy, consider giving them a food treat. Again, praise when the dog is quiet after you have given the verbal command.
Reward quiet behavior
Spend time playing with the puppy and tire it out. Tired dogs are good dogs. Pay attention to your puppy and reward it when it is quiet.
Stay calm
Never yell at the puppy or hit the dog to make it stop barking. Avoid punishment.
This will only raise the puppy’s anxiety level and lead to more barking or aggressive behaviors, such as biting or running away. Instead, you should focus on positive reinforcement techniques.
If you’re curious about using these methods, Dog Academy has positive-only tips on training dogs not to bark.
Understand that separation anxiety is a significant cause of excessive barking.
Training, training, training
When the dog starts barking, implementing simple commands such as “Enough” or “Stop” and immediately providing a toy or a food treat as a distraction can help interrupt the barking pattern.
Consistently rewarding quiet behavior and providing ample exercise and mental stimulation through activities and play can also help address chronic barking.
Distract your puppy
You can use a squirt bottle filled with tap water to stop the puppy from barking, although only do this if other methods fail.
Another option is to fill a soda can with pennies. Shake it to distract the puppy when they begin barking.
Use the enough, stop, or quiet commands first. When your puppy stops barking, immediately offer praise and reward your dog when it sits or stands quietly beside you.
Keep your dog busy
For dogs or puppies that bark chronically when the owner is away, consider providing more chew toys and activities to keep the dog busy and stimulated.
Puzzle toys that provide mental exercise also help tire your dog.
In addition, take them for a long walk or play games to help tire your dog out before you leave him alone. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog.
Try to make the time when you’re away as short as possible, and praise the dog when you get home and all is quiet.
Consider using a bark collar
Using a bark collar to stop chronic barking is controversial in dog training.
While some advocate using bark collars as a quick fix for excessive barking, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks and ethical considerations.
Bark collars deliver a corrective stimulus, such as a vibration, sound, or mild electric shock, when the dog barks.
While this may temporarily deter the dog from barking, it’s essential to recognize that bark collars do not address the behavior’s underlying cause.
Additionally, using aversive methods, such as shock or discomfort, can have negative implications for the dog’s well-being and can potentially worsen behavioral issues or lead to anxiety and fear.
Instead of relying on bark collars, a more holistic and humane approach to addressing chronic barking involves positive reinforcement training, identifying underlying triggers, providing mental and physical stimulation, and seeking professional guidance when necessary.
By addressing the root causes of excessive barking and using positive training methods, dog owners can work towards creating a harmonious and stress-free environment for their pets.
Identify causes to address chronic barking
Identifying the underlying causes of excessive barking in dogs is crucial for effectively addressing the root issues and ending barking behavior.
Understanding triggers
Observe and identify the specific triggers that lead to excessive barking in your dog. It could be a response to environmental stimuli, boredom, anxiety, loneliness, territorial behavior, or a sign of an underlying health issue.
Observe body language
Pay attention to your dog’s body language and other behavioral cues when they start barking excessively. Understanding their body language can provide insights into the underlying reasons for their barking.
Address anxiety and loneliness
If your dog exhibits signs of separation anxiety or excessive barking when left alone, consider gradually acclimating them to being alone, providing interactive toys, and creating a comfortable space for them.
Environmental enrichment
Provide mental and physical stimulation through regular exercise, interactive play, and engaging activities to address boredom and excess energy, common triggers for excessive barking.
Professional evaluation
If you suspect that your dog’s excessive barking is related to an underlying health issue, seek the guidance of a veterinarian to rule out any medical concerns.
Prevent boredom
Excessive dog barking can often stem from boredom, anxiety, or pent-up energy.
To alleviate this behavior, providing mental and physical stimulation is crucial.
Here are some activities that can help reduce excessive barking:
Interactive toys and puzzles
Utilizing toys that require problem-solving skills can keep your dog mentally engaged.
Toys dispelling treats as they are manipulated can provide both a challenge and a reward, keeping your dog focused and entertained.
Daily walks and jogging
Regular physical exercise reduces energy levels that can lead to barking. Taking your dog on daily walks, jogs, or hikes provides physical health benefits and exposes them to new environments and smells, stimulating their minds.
Agility training
Setting up a small agility course in your backyard or attending agility classes can be a fantastic way to keep your dog active and mentally sharp.
Navigating through tunnels, jumps, and weave poles provides fun and exercise.
Obedience training
Teaching your dog new commands and tricks enhances their listening skills and keeps their mind engaged.
Regular training sessions with a professional dog trainer can help establish discipline and focus, reducing excessive barking triggered by excitement or anxiety.
Playdates
Socializing your dog with others can be an excellent way to expend energy.
Arranging playdates or visiting dog parks allows your dog to interact, play, and engage with other dogs, which can help reduce feelings of loneliness and stimulate their social behavior.
Mental exercises
Activities such as hide-and-seek with treats or family members can stimulate your dog mentally.
Hiding their favorite toy or treats throughout the house and encouraging them to find them can be both rewarding and engaging.
Nose work games
Engaging your dog in scent work can be fulfilling. You can teach your dog to search for specific scents hidden around the home or backyard, which activates their instincts and keeps them busy.
Don’t ignore chronic barking
Neglecting to address chronic dog barking can lead to serious social and legal consequences.
One of the most immediate issues dog owners may face is complaints from neighbors. Excessive barking can disturb the peace, leading to tension and disputes within the community.
A dog that barks constantly can disrupt the quiet, especially during early mornings or late evenings when many people are trying to relax or sleep. Prolonged disturbances can erode goodwill and patience, resulting in strained relationships with neighbors.
In some cases, unresolved barking issues can escalate to formal complaints or even mediation attempts.
Neighbors may feel compelled to report the problem to local authorities, which can trigger noise ordinances or community regulations to maintain peace.
This can lead to warnings or citations from law enforcement or animal control, putting the pet owner in a difficult position. Moreover, if the barking is severe enough to be classified as a nuisance, the potential for legal implications exists.
Continued complaints can result in fines or restrictions on pet ownership, and in extreme cases, authorities may require the owner to find a new home for the dog if the situation does not improve.
Chronic barking can negatively affect the owner’s responsibility and commitment to their pet.
This public perception can lead to a broader community backlash and may discourage other dog owners from seeking help or support.
Final thoughts on how to stop dog barking
Be as consistent as possible if you are trying to train your dog to stop barking or correct a dog barking problem.
Dogs become very confused if one day they are allowed to bark and other days they are punished or penalized for barking.
Always pay attention to the dog when it is quiet or behaving appropriately.
Spend extra time exercising and playing with your dog or puppy to ensure the dog is tired and relaxed when you are away from home.
Chronic or non-stop barking is not only a behavior issue; it’s also a quality-of-life issue for you and your dog.
Too many dogs end up in shelters because their families can’t cope. Don’t let that happen to your dog.
Instead, use training to manage your dog’s barking, keep your pup happy and healthy, and keep your neighborhood quiet.
Kelly Marshall is a featured author on Oh My Dog Supplies. For more articles by Kelly, visit Oh My Dog Supplies.