Any age or breed of dog can start barking more than usual. Some breeds are more prone to being a bit noisy or territorial. There are some medical conditions which can cause an increase in barking too.

Always talk to a vet if your dog shows significant changes in behaviour. This is especially important if your dog is showing aggressive behaviour such as growling, snapping or biting. Take immediate safety measures in these situations too. The good news is, with advice from a qualified behaviourist and owner dedication, many excessive barking issues can be improved.

Why does my dog bark?

There are lots of reasons and sometimes more than one is involved. Once medical causes have been investigated by a vet, behavioural causes can be addressed.

Common medical causes include:

• Cognitive dysfunction or dementia in older dogs
• Pain such as joint pain from arthritis
• Hearing issues

Emotional causes should be treated with the help of a qualified behaviourist. Common emotional causes include:

• Arousal or excitement
• Fear or anxiety
• Frustration or boredom
• Territorial behaviour
• Attention-seeking behaviour
• Habit or learned behaviour

It’s helpful to know what triggers the barking and observe your dog’s body language to understand what’s causing them to bark. Common scenarios include barking at dogs on walks, barking at people, barking at windows, barking at their owner and when left alone.

Why does my dog bark at other dogs?

Barking at other dogs on walks and when on the lead is a common complaint. This can be due to:

• Fear which can turn into an aggressive response to try and increase space from the other dog. 
• Excitement or frustration at not being able to get to the other dog causing lead reactivity. 

Why does my dog bark at people?

Barking at people can also be due to fear, anxiety or frustration. Territorial barking at windows and doors is common when delivery people or visitors come to the house. This can also become a habit or learned behaviour and be seen alongside aggression.

Why does my dog bark at me?

Common reasons include excitement and attention-seeking if your dog wants things such as food, a walk or playtime. If your dog has received attention for barking, this can reinforce the behaviour making it a habit or learned behaviour. If your dog gets distressed when left alone, they may bark when you leave and when you’re out. 

Some owners report their dog barking all the time or at nothing in particular. Whatever the scenario, working through the problem with a qualified behaviourist is the best solution.

How to know why your dog is barking

As well as looking at what triggers the barking, observing your dog’s body language is helpful. Taking video footage is a good idea. This will help the vet and behaviourist understand how they are feeling and the best way to help.

Behaviours dogs can show when unhappy or stressed:

• Off food
• Hiding or interacting less
• House soiling
• Barking, whining or more vocal
• Destructive chewing
• Restless or pacing
• Excessive panting
• Sudden aggression

Body language dogs can show when stressed, fearful or anxious:

• Ears back
• Lip licking and yawning
• Wide eyes and dilated pupils
• Cowering or low posture
• Shaking or trembling
• Hackles raised
• Tail tucked or held stiff
• Lifting paw or rolling over to show tummy
• Growling, snarling, snapping or biting

Excitement, arousal and frustration are other common reasons dogs bark. A frustrated dog can show behaviours including jumping up, mouthing and pawing. 

What to do if your dog is barking excessively

Seeking advice from a vet and behaviourist is the best thing to do, especially if there is aggression involved. If your dog is showing aggression, it’s important to stay safe. Keep them away from young children or anything that can trigger the behaviour. 

Dogs repeat what they practice, so the longer the barking is left, the worse it can get. A qualified behaviourist can make a special plan to modify the behaviour and change their response to triggers. Some dogs can benefit from behaviour modifying drugs from the vets alongside their behaviour plan.

How do I find a qualified behaviourist?

Your vet or online Joii vets can refer you to a qualified accredited behaviourist. It is extremely important to find someone qualified, who uses kind, ethical and up-to-date techniques. Beware of people practising as behaviourists that aren’t suitably qualified, or use out-dated harmful methods. Organisations such as the ABTC (Animal Behaviour and Training Council) and FAB (Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians) also have a list of qualified behaviourists in your area.

Dogs are less likely to bark when they are feeling calm and relaxed. Making sure all their needs are met including food, exercise, play and sleep is a good start. Keep them away from anything that triggers the barking. For example if they bark at passersby, you can block windows and doors and keep them away from these areas. Positively reinforce quiet, calm behaviour with their favourite treats and toys instead.

Ways to keep your dog calm

• Make sure they have a consistent routine
• Give them plenty of exercise, play and undisturbed rest
• Create a cosy den in a quiet place to hide
• Put their favourite bedding, toys and treats in the den
• Use calm activities such as food stuffed Kongs and lick mats
• Encourage them to use their nose with scatter feeding and puzzle toys

Calming diffusers and products

• Calming diffusers such as Adaptil or Pet Remedy can help
• Adaptil collars are good for out and about
• Use these alongside a behaviour modification plan

Call us to speak to the Joii nurse team for advice on environmental changes and products that can help calm your dog.

What not to do when your dog barks

• Avoid punishment as this can lead to fear, anxiety and sometimes aggression
• Don’t give them attention for barking as this can reinforce the behaviour
• Never use disruptive methods such as shock collars, this can make things worse
• Instead focus on redirecting their attention to calm activities and reward quiet behaviour

When to worry about your dog barking

Changes in behaviour happen for a reason so it’s always a good idea to have your dog checked by a vet. Pain is one of the major causes of behaviour changes, especially in older dogs and the signs can be subtle and varied.

Download the app and speak to one of our Joii vets if you are concerned that your dog is in pain or has changed behaviour. The vet can assess your dog over a video call and give you instant advice.