Why Does My Dog Bark So Much? Understanding and Changing Excessive Barking Behaviour

Excessive barking is not a natural state for a dog. While dogs do bark to communicate at times, once it becomes excessive it is stressful to both the dog and the people around it. It’s a situation causing stress to many dog families.

Understanding why your dog is barking will help you with a plan forward to reduce or even prevent excessive barking.

Dogs will bark for any number or reasons and knowing what the triggers are, what sets them off, is the first step to changing their behaviour and reduce the barking.

Attention Seeking

Dogs will learn that they get something they want by barking such your attention, a toy, a door being opened for example.

Boredom

When a dog is not having it’s needs met, they become bored and will bark for something to do. It is a way to release energy and gives them something to do.

Anxiety

Anxiety if often cause by a dog not feeling safe resulting in them being unsure about a loud noise, people, other dogs or being left alone.

Alert Barking or Territorial Barking

Dogs will alert to anyone or anything that comes past their home. They are alerting you to a perceived threat, or they are warning off the perceived threat.

Excitement

           A dog can become excited by meeting new people, when you come home, seeing another dog or during play.

All behaviour and barking is communication. Your dog barking excessively means they are trying to tell you something the only way they know how.

Ask yourself, ‘Why is my dog Barking?” rather than “how can I stop my dog barking?”

Once you understand the ‘why’ you can begin to work on changing the behaviour with consistent, calm, clear directions. If you are unable to manage the barking, do reach out and contact me at carla@bestdogs.com.au so I can help you and your dog live happier lives together.