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Barking

Barking is one of the main ways dogs communicate. While it’s natural and important, excessive barking can cause stress for both you and your dog. The good news: with the right strategies, you can manage barking and create a calmer environment.

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Why Learn To Manage Your Dog's Barking

Managing barking benefits both you and your community.

Happy Neighbors

Reduces noise disturbances and keeps the peace.

Strengthen Your Bond

Builds trust and improves communication with your dog.

Well-Being

Creates a calmer, more secure environment for everyone.

5 Different Categories of Barking

Dogs bark for many reasons. Understanding the type of bark helps you know what your dog is trying to communicate. Here are five common categories:

1. Attention-Seeking Barking: Higher-pitched, with your dog looking directly at you.

2. Anxious Barking: Higher-pitched and continuous.

3. Alert or “Watchdog” Barking: Typically lower-pitched and often leads your dog to the door or toward the source of the disturbance.

4. Distance-Increase Barking: Lower-pitched barking meant to create space from a person, place, or thing—often paired with moving back and forth toward the perceived threat.

5. Frustration or Boredom Barking: Higher-pitched barking caused by lack of exercise or mental stimulation.

What to Do if Your Dog Barks Excessively

If barking becomes excessive, these strategies can help.

1. Reduce Triggers: Limit your dog’s exposure to the sights, sounds, or situations that set off their barking.

2. Change Their Reaction: Pair triggering events with something positive, like a special treat or toy, to help your dog form a new association.

3. Increase Physical Exercise: Regular walks, play, and activity can help release excess energy that fuels barking.

4. Add Mental Enrichment: Use puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, and other work-to-eat toys to keep your dog’s mind engaged and reduce boredom barking.

What to Do if Your Dog Barks for Attention

Teach your dog that quiet behavior is what gets rewarded.

1. Disengage: As soon as your dog starts barking, completely ignore them.

2. Wait: Once they stop barking, pause for about five seconds.

3. Reward Quiet: After the pause, give them your attention.

4. Redirect: Offer a toy or start a game before they begin barking again.

5. Reinforce: Over time, your dog will learn that staying quiet leads to positive rewards.

What to Do if Your Dog "Watchdog" Barks

This type of barking often happens at windows, doors, or passing noises.

1. Remove the View: Block your dog’s visibility from windows if they bark at things outside. This helps reduce the chances of barking before it starts.

2. Add Background Noise: Incorporate gentle music or white noise to mask sounds.

3. Block Access: Use a gate or barrier to limit access to doors or areas they tend to guard.

3. Stay Calm: Don’t yell or get upset, as this can make your dog bark more.

4. Create Positive Associations: Teach your dog that the triggering event means good things are coming. Drop treats or a toy in their safe space whenever you expect a trigger, so they learn to associate it with rewards.

Your Future Self (and Your Dog) Will Thank You

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Additional Resources

Check you this webinar we hosted with School for the Dogs in 2023.