A Dog's Life - The Real Story Behind Dog Barking

The natural way for dogs to communicate is howling, whining, and dog barking. Just like humans, dogs need to vocalize their feelings, moods, and needs. While dog barking is necessary, it can become a nuisance if the barking is excessive. In this article Dog ID Collar discusses the reasons behind dog barking, how to treat intense barking, and facts about barking you may not have known.  

Why Dogs Bark

Did you know certain dog breeds tend to bark more than others? For example, the Pug and the Basenji are two breeds of dogs that are known for their quiet nature along with a few others including the Japanese Chin, Chinese Shar-Pei, the Great Dane, and more. With this being said, some dog breeds were actually bred to bark like the Parson Russell Terrier and the New Zealand Huntaway. 

Whether your dog barks often or very rarely, Dog ID Collar believes that, as a dog owner, it is important to know the cause of the barking. After reading this article and listening to your canine closely, you may start to notice different types of barking. Furthermore, you may start gaining a better understanding of what your dog is trying to tell you. 

Alarm

One of the most common reasons for dog barking is when your four-legged best friend senses some type of threat. The doorbell, a knock at the door, footsteps approaching, and strangers passing by are all examples of common causes of your dog barking because they are alarmed. If your dog is barking because of fear or alarm, the pitch of the bark is usually loud, dominating, and sharp. 

why dogs bark

Fear

When dogs bark out of fear the sound can be deafening and continuous.

Oftentimes, your dog will run back and forth from the object or situation that your dog fears, while the barking continues on. The first instinct as dog owners when your dog is barking out of fear may be to punish or try and quiet the dog. However, Dog ID Collar does not recommend reprimanding your dog’s fear barking. Instead, remain quiet and calm. Your relaxed demeanor will help reduce the fear, and eventually, your dog will take the hint and calm down. 

If the fear barking continues and your dog becomes aggressive and panicked, remove them from the stressful situation to start calming their fear.

Anxiety

Anxious barking differs from alarm and fear in that dogs tend to use barking as a self-soothing technique. The sound of anxious barking is usually more high-pitched and associated with whining. One of the top signs of dog anxiety is excessive barking and whining. 

Greeting

Many dogs cannot contain their excitement when greeting humans at the door. Their excitement is often portrayed with licking, jumping, and, sometimes, happy barking. The playful, happy greeting lasts under five minutes, with no reason to worry about anxiety, fear, or alarm.   

Attention Seeking

reasons dogs bark

Most dog owners know the common bark many dogs use to get their humans’ attention. Whether it’s the need to go outside or wanting a treat, the bark will be forceful and intentional.  

Playfulness

Common in puppies and younger dogs, playful barking is light-hearted and often accompanied by puppy kisses or frisky biting. Differentiate playful barking from another barking by taking notice if the sounds are clustered in two or three little barks together. 

To Protect

Oftentimes, when an unknown person or animal comes into a dog’s territory, this triggers excessive, aggressive dog barking. Your dog’s barking will be rapid and sound threatening and territorial, medium level loudness. 

Boredom and Separation Anxiety

Dogs are natural pack animals, and if dogs are alone for long periods of time they will often start barking excessively. Pacing, destructiveness, and inappropriate elimination are also common with boredom and separation anxiety

How to Treat Excessive Dog Barking

 

 

 

 

 

how to treat excessive dog barkingIf the dog barking becomes excessive and a problem in your household, it may be time to intervene. Figuring out the reason for the barking is the first step. With the reasons given above, Dog ID Collar hopes you can figure out the cause of the dog barking.

Treating excessive barking takes time, consistency, strategy, and practice. If anxiety or fear is the cause of your dog’s barking, a visit to your veterinarian may be needed. While medications are sometimes the last resort, there are dog anxiety medications that can help with the dog barking if the cause is stress, depression, or anxiety. If medications are not needed, the best thing to do is take away the source of stress and anxiety. Additionally, if the dog barking is caused by stress and anxiety, try distracting your canine with other commands like “sit” and “shake.” 

More On How to Treat Dog Barking

Other strategies for treating excessive dog barking include giving your dog plenty of exercise during the day. Many dogs bark continuously to release pent up energy or frustration they may have. Giving your dog the attention it needs will help with extreme barking. 

If your dog is barking because of separation anxiety, avoid leaving your dog alone for long periods of time. Consider investing in a daytime dog walking service if your job does not allow you to come home during the day. 

Dog ID Collar also recommends purchasing mentally stimulating chew toys or puzzle toys. Providing ways for your dog to be entertained and distracted are great strategies to lessen unwarranted barking. 

How Not to Treat Extreme Barking

Yelling and reprimanding your dog for their excessive barking may seem like the natural way to handle the behavior. However, yelling not only does not help your dog’s barking problem but can also stimulate their bad behavior even more. 

Using a variety of punishments does not help either. Stick to one-word commands when disciplining your canine. 

Don’t give up and allow the problem to go on and on. Spend quality time with your dog to figure out the triggers of their barking along with the solution. 

Final Thoughts

Dog ID Collar hopes this article saves you the time of being frustrated with your dog’s excessive barking and not knowing what to do. As dog owners, we want the best for our dog, and understanding what they’re saying helps the owner and dog live their best life, together. Figuring out the triggers to a dog barking is the first step, and next, it’s time to get to work. 

Visit Dog ID Collar to shop for quality, comfortable collar, and leash sets customized specifically for your dog!