Barking is as natural to dogs as speaking is to humans. It is the way of communication for canines. But, there are different reasons and types of dog barking and not all of them are acceptable for you as their guardians. If the barking is due to some behavioural problem, you need to train your fur friend to stop it. So, how do you identify the reason for your pooch’s barking and how do you control it? We are here to guide you.

In this blog, we have listed out different types of dog barking and the reasons behind the same, along with tips for how to train your dog not to bark. Keep reading to get the information.

What triggers barking in dogs

There are various reasons behind a dog’s barking behaviour. Here are some of the most common types of dog barking and the reasons behind them:

• Alert barking

When the barking of your dog is accompanied by their looking at the door or window continuously, it can be alert barking. Your fur buddy is trying to alert you that someone or something is approaching.

• Guarding barking

Though less territorial as compared to cats, dogs do love their possessions and do not like to share them with everyone. When you have other animals or kids visiting your house, you may find your furry friend barking to guard their possessions such as toys, bedding, or even their favourite hooman.

• Distress barking

Loud noises, travelling, separation from their human parents for longer durations, or confinement can make dogs anxious or stressed. Their incessant barking in this situation is to communicate that everything is not ok with them.

• Attention-seeking barking

Your canine often barks just to get your attention. If you do not spend enough time with your furry companion or if any of their needs are not met, they resort to barking to draw your attention towards them.

• Excitement barking

Playful by nature, dogs love to get involved in outdoor activities and play interactive games with their human companions. Your overjoyed furry pal jumps out of excitement and barks in this scenario just to express their happiness and contentment.

• Greeting barking

Yes, dogs also have a way of socialising. Your furry friend barks to greet and welcome you, other people, and other pets too.

How to train dogs not to bark

Here are some useful tips to fix your dog’s barking behaviour:

• Remove the stimulant

If there is any person whose sight is triggering your dog to bark continuously or if it is the traffic noise that motivates them to bark, cover or divert their view. Cover the window with curtains from where your pooch gets the outside view. Changing your fur buddy’s relaxing place where there is no outside view is also a good idea.

• Teach ‘quiet’ & ‘hush’ commands

It is neither reasonable nor possible to keep your fur baby silent all the time as barking is one of their basic behaviours. A better way to control unwanted or problem barking is to train your pup for controlled barking. If your pooch barks while playing, stop playing. Once the barking has stopped, toss a treat to your dog. Repeat the process and add ‘quiet’ and ‘hush’ commands after offering the treat. Continue with the same process till your fur baby learns to understand and follow the command, even without a treat. Similarly, you can train your canine to follow the ‘hush’ command in different conditions like the arrival of new people or animals, ringing of the doorbell, etc.

• Involve in more exercise

A tired dog is a quiet dog. It is best to provide enough physical exercise to your furry companion so that they do not have pent-up energy and do not get involved in incessant barking. Take your pet out for long walks and play interactive games with them to tire them out.

• Keep them occupied

Boredom is also one of the reasons for problem barking in dogs. To keep your dog engaged and entertained, provide them with toys to play with. A treat dispensing puzzle game will also help provide mental stimulation to your pooch and will help discourage boredom barking.

• Do not pay attention to barking

If your fur baby is barking just to grab your attention, do not pay heed to their demands. You may find it difficult to ignore your furry bundle of joy completely. But, it is the best way to correct their behaviour. One important thing to consider is dogs will bark to seek your attention mostly when their needs are not met. Make sure that you fulfil their valid needs. A content dog may not be interested in unwanted barking. For any queries, Consult our Vet. 

In the end

Dogs are cute to the core and humans enjoy the company of their furry friends the most. But, canines need to be trained for a happy co-living. Though barking is a primary way of communication for dogs, their continuous and uncontrolled barking can cause irritation. Consider the tips listed in this blog and train your dog not to get involved in uncontrolled barking.