It’s natural for dogs to bark – and unreasonable to expect them to always be silent. The problem is when barking is excessive. If you’ve ever wondered why your dog barks or howls, or just want to learn how to reduce it, you’ve come to the right place.
In this section of the site, we have a range of articles about barking. To view all articles about this topic, scroll down to the posts section.
Why Dogs Bark
Before you can reduce your dog’s barking you need to know what’s causing it. Barking is always caused by something, so understanding the reason behind it is vital. Some of the most common causes include:
- Fear or Anxiety. Some dogs react to fear or anxiety by barking. This can happen when they are startled, but also just when there is a person, animal or object that’s making them worry. Fear-based barking can happen in any location – not just in the home.
- Boredom or Attention Seeking. Barking is a dog’s verbal communication, so it can be used to get attention. Your dog may also bark when they want something, such as to go outside or to be fed.
- Territorial Behaviour. If another dog, animal or person enters your dog’s “territory,” he may bark as a form of defence. This is a warning not to come any closer. Territorial barking may be accompanied by aggressive behaviour.
- Separation Anxiety. If your dog barks excessively when you leave him alone, he may have separation anxiety. This requires different techniques to stop, as it’s rooted in a fear of being left alone.
We explore each these causes of barking, along with many more, in the articles below. Before you start reading the articles though, be aware that reducing dog barking can take effort and time. It’s not something that’s going to stop after a single training session. Also, reactions such as shouting at your dog or even physical punishment are likely to make the problem worse.
About the Dog Barking Section
Dog barking is one of the most common problems for dog owners – which is why we’ve created an entire section dedicated to help you understand and reduce excessive barking! This part of the site contains everything from barking collar reviews to guides for specific breeds. All the posts are listed below, or you can use the search bar for specific queries.
