Barking is a large part of a dog’s natural behaviour. In fact, we have been selectively breeding certain breeds to bark over many generations (protection dogs for example). However, in our largely suburban world, excessive barking is a problem that affects the entire community and is a major complaint received by local councils in relation to dogs.
Why do dogs bark?
There are many reasons why dogs bark and there may be one or multiple factors at play. Here are a few to consider:
Attention seeking: dog wants to come in / go out, be fed, played with, or is needy for your attention.
Excitement: aroused, anticipating, over stimulated.
Separation related: barks, whines, cries, or even destroys doors and windows, when you are away from home or separated within the home.
Fear: perhaps of sounds in the neighbourhood, unfamiliar people coming to the property, thunder, fireworks.
Boredom: lack of appropriate exercise or mental stimulation.
Inadvertent reinforcement: responding to the barking verbally, even to tell a dog off, may be rewarding the behaviour (are you joining in?). Letting the dog in to avoid disturbing the neighbours is also a potential reward.
Predatory behaviour: birds or small animals in the garden may arouse your dog, as might playing a wild game of chase with another dog that also lives in the household.
Territorial: barking at fence lines, at the front door or window, in the car.
Dementia: a possibility in older dogs.
What can you do?
Barking is a symptom. Primarily, you need to address the cause of the behaviour rather than the symptom. It is important to note that, in doing so, the barking may get worse for a period of time and this is something you may need to warn neighbours about.
Strategies may include:
Provide greater environmental enrichment for mental stimulation – challenging toys and puzzles, snuffle mat, things to chew.
Reduce the real estate – keep your dog in a smaller area, away from things that trigger the barking, so he can’t wind himself up and become over stimulated by charging the fence or running the perimeter.
Create a quiet and secure den area for your dog to rest in – everyone needs time out and a place to retreat to.
Increase exercise – regular walks, ball games or other structured physical activity to enable your dog to release any pent-up energy and use his brain.
Increase engagement – playing with your dog, obedience training or trick training can improve your relationship with your dog and extend your dog’s mental exercise.
Leadership and independence training – build your dog’s confidence through structure, rules and boundaries, so he knows what’s expected of him and can cope better when you are separated.
Address any attention seeking and stop any inadvertent reinforcement of barking.
Desensitisation - to things that trigger the barking.
Be patient and stay consistent.
If you need to do something urgently because you are under instruction from the council or under pressure from neighbours, family or house mates, here are a few things that may help in the interim, but are NOT a quick fix or a viable long-term solution:
Remove the dog from the environment - keep him inside, in a quiet fenced area, ask a family member to look after him while you are out, or use a dog day care if suitable for your dog.
Mask the noises that may trigger the behaviour – turn on the radio or TV.
Interrupt the behaviour – distracting noise or a verbal reprimand (this requires you to be present. Your efforts may be undermined if you implement this when you are home, but the dog can continue to bark uninterrupted when you are away from home).
This information is general in nature. When it comes to complex behavioural issues like barking, it may be appropriate to seek professional advice from a trainer.
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