What to do about your dog barking

Why do dogs bark?

Barking is a completely normal way for dogs to communicate – they bark to express different emotions and needs. Common reasons include: alerting you to someone approaching (territorial or alert barking); asking for something they want such as food, a walk, or your attention (demand barking); expressing excitement when greeting you or in anticipation of something enjoyable; reacting to something that worries them such as an unfamiliar noise or person; or vocalising because they are bored or frustrated.

Some breeds are more vocal than others, so it’s worth doing your research if you’re hoping for a quieter dog. The right approach to stopping unwanted barking always depends on understanding the reason behind it.

Dogs bark when they are left at home on their own for numerous reasons:

• Boredom – being left home alone for long periods of time with nothing to do would make us look for some sort of entertainment and dogs are no different.
• Anxiety – some dogs become so attached to their owners that when they are left home alone they start to panic. Barking and howling is your dog’s way of trying to call you back
• Frustration – some dogs find that being able to see other dogs or even people through glass doors or windows is very frustrating; this in turn can make them bark
• External factors – being able to see and hear things that go on in everyday life can make your dog bark, especially if they’re a guarding breed or very sound sensitive breed such as terriers or collies.

How to stop your dog from barking

The right approach depends on the type of barking.

For demand or attention-seeking barking, the most effective method is to completely ignore it – no eye contact, no speaking, no touching – and reward any moment of quiet instead.

For territorial barking at things passing the window or door, redirecting your dog away from the trigger and rewarding them for coming to you works better than telling them off.

For boredom barking, increasing enrichment – more exercise, food puzzles, and mental stimulation – reduces the urge to bark.

For dogs that bark at other dogs or people on walks, work at a distance below the point where your dog reacts, reward calm behaviour, and gradually reduce that distance over multiple sessions.

Giving a dog something to do whilst it is left home alone is very important. Here are some examples:

• Pacifier toys such a kongs, activity balls and buster cubes that can be filled with food.
• Some dogs enjoy ripping things up so giving them an old cardboard box with treats in to shred in their owners absence can also be a good idea.

For dogs that bark at things that they can see and hear, pull the curtains shut and leave the TV or radio on to drown out any external sounds that may cause your dog to bark.

In some cases, you may want to borrow a friend’s dog to see if canine companionship helps to keep your dog quiet.

Training not punishment

Don’t be tempted to punish your dog for barking, this will only make matters worse. Some people have tried special muzzles on their dogs to help keep them quiet, this is not recommended as your dog could either overheat or choke to death on its own vomit if left unattended whilst wearing a muzzle.

What if my neighbour’s dog is barking?

In the UK, a persistently barking dog can constitute a statutory noise nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

If a neighbour’s dog is causing a problem: keep a written diary recording the dates, times, duration, and impact of the barking, as councils require this evidence; speak to the dog’s owner if it is safe to do so, as many owners are not aware their dog barks when they are out; and if the problem continues, contact your local council’s Environmental Health department to make a formal report.

Councils can issue a Noise Abatement Notice, and failure to comply can result in a fine. If you’re a dog owner who has received a complaint, take it seriously and consider consulting a behaviourist.