Dog Barking Problems Solved

Dog Barking Problems and their Solutions: Summary

Dog barking is a normal behaviour but unwanted in many neighbourhoods.
Management of canine barking is important. Relocate your dog to a different area of your home and use calming strategies.
Long term solutions involve training your dog to remain quiet, while satisfying all their needs.

Why dogs bark

Dog Barking Problems are the most commonly reported problems in our neighbourhoods. Living with or next to a barking dog can be very difficult. It helps to understand the reasons why your dog is barking and then you can put some relevant solutions in place.

Does your dog bark too much?

You may have a problem with barking if your dog does any of the following:

Barks when left alone
Barks when people enter or pass by your property
When neighbourhood disturbances occur, your dog barks
Barks when going for walks, car trips or when playing in the park
Barks when he or she wants your attention

Causes of the dog barking problem

Dogs bark for many reasons including:

Boredom
Anxiety
Disturbances
Excitement
Pain or discomfort
Attention-seeking

Work out why your dog barks to help find a workable solution to the dog barking problem.

barking dog problemKeeping dogs quiet is our aim with the barking dog problem

Management of the dog barking problem

These may not solve the dog barking problem in the long term but they may help quieten your dog…

Place your dog in a different location
Use quietening sounds and scents

There are many more management techniques for barking dogs.

Dog barking problem solutions

These may keep your dog quiet but you need time and patience…

Train your dog to be quiet
Work on the cause of your dog’s problem

For example, if your dog may have anxiety, address this with the help of your vet or a behaviourist, then the barking should reduce.

Frequently asked questions about barking dog behaviour

Why does my dog bark at night?

There are often different noises at night time, stimulating your dog, to bark. The quickest way to solve this issue is to relocate your dog to a part of your home where they do not hear the noises. If not, you must train them to be quiet when they hear the noise.

Why does my dog bark at me?

Most dogs bark at their owners to get attention. Give your dog attention when they are quiet.

Why does my dog bark at strangers?

If strangers are coming on to your property, then your dog is likely territorial. If your dog barks elsewhere, then he may have some fear or anxiety and needs to be desensitised. Get some professional help.

About the author: Dr Jo Righetti

Dr Jo Righetti is an animal behaviourist, helping people with pets. With a PhD in behaviour, a diploma in counselling and over 20 years experience in business Pet Problems Solved, Dr Jo understand pets and communicates here knowledge in a motivational manner.

Teaching your dog to speak

How about asking your dog to bark?

It may seem counter-productive ask your dog to be noisy (when you really want them to shut up!) it can help to get your dog’s noisy behaviour under control.

Train your dog to speak on command and then you can train them to be quiet too. Eventually, with lots of practice – and rewards – when you need your dog to be quiet, they will follow your command.

This does take time and patience and a lot of motivation for your dog, so arm yourself with their favourite motivators.

Here’s how I taught Chilli dog to speak…