Understand Your Dog's Barking: A Guide for New Dog Owners
- Merran Spath
- Nov 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 19
Barking is Communication
Almost all dogs bark from time to time. It’s how they express themselves. However, excessive barking can be stressful for both you and your dog. So, how can we address this barking?
First, you'll need to do some detective work. Keep a notebook handy and jot down what's happened when your dog barks. Do this for at least a week. Your dog may a few reasons your dog barks.
Observing to Understand Your Dog's Barking
When do they bark? What time of day and where they are. First thing in the morning and they haven't yet been out-
What’s happening in the environment? Did a car door slam, some children scream, or a dog bark in the distance?
How long do they bark for? How often does this occur?
Gathering this data will help you understand the reasons behind their barking.
Possible Reasons for Barking
Here are some common reasons your dog might be barking:
Alert: "Hey, there’s something!"
Alarm: "Help, there’s something!"
Boredom: "Can we do something?"
Frustration: Barking for attention or in response to a trigger.
Genetics: A trait bred over generations by humans for specific purposes.
Once you have a picture of when, why, and how long your dog is barking, you can try some simple solutions.
Important: Never yell at your dog. It's like barking along with them and can make the situation worse.
Alert or Territorial Barking
This type of barking occurs when your dog is curious or unsure about something. They need your attention.
What to do:
When your dog barks, go to where they are and ask, “What is it?” in a gentle voice.
Check it out: Say, “Oh, that’s the … it’s okay.” Then, lead them away from the area.
Name it: If you hear a truck or a plane, pre-empt their barking by saying, “Can you hear that? It’s a truck, or it’s a plane.”
Why: This builds your dog’s confidence. They’ll start to understand that you’re teaching them what normal sounds are in their environment and that you will sort it out if needs be.
Note: Limit your dog’s opportunities to bark at the boundary or fence. This can strengthen the barking behaviour.
Alarm Barking
Alarm barking is more intense and often happens in response to a perceived threat. It’s an emotional response.
What to do: Allow your dog to bark 3 or 4 times. Then, go to where they are and cue “Quiet” or “Enough.” Lead them away and give them a treat when they stop barking.
This serves two purposes:
It associates whatever they are barking at with rewards, reducing their anxiety.
Your dog learns to stop barking when you cue them, as they’ll receive a reward for being quiet.
Your dog will quickly understand the cue.
Boredom Barking
Boredom barking is often repetitive and can be accompanied by other behaviours like pacing.
What to do: Ask yourself if you’ve met all your dog’s needs. Have they eaten, sniffed, walked, or played?
Ensure your dog is getting dog-specific enrichment activities.
Ideas: Try a “Find it” game, a game of tug, or a sniffy walk.
Frustration Barking
This type of barking is more intense and agitated than boredom barking. It often occurs when your dog is frustrated by not being able to access something, like a person, toy, or food.
What to do: Shift your dog's attention away from the trigger. Redirect them to a game or ask for another behaviour, like a hand target or “Where's your toy?”
Genetics
Some barking behaviours are hardwired into your dog.
What to do: The solution may involve putting their barking on cue. Teach them to bark when appropriate, such as at the park or in the car.
Next Steps - Let Me Help You.
Trying these simple techniques consistently can help you win the barking game. Remember, patience is key. If the barking persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced trainer for help.
I can help you understand your dog’s barking and help you address it with positive reinforcement training. After all, a well-trained dog is a happy dog. Let's work together to create a harmonious environment for both you and your canine companion!
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