If you are or your neighbors are a dog owner, you have probably experienced one or two occasions where you have been awakened in the middle of the night by howling or barking. Dogs use it as a way to warn their humans of danger, out of fear, boredom, or to communicate with their fellow canines. Interestingly, only domesticated pups bark, most likely due to human breeding and the domestication process throughout thousands of years. In addition, some breeds may be more prone to barking than others, such as Beagles, Fox Terriers, and Miniature Schnauzers. [1]
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As the dog owner who likes to bark, you may wonder: Do they ever get tired of it? We might think that they would, especially if the barking lasts for hours. However, the opposite might be true. Dogs may not get especially tired of barking. If you are curious as to why dogs bark, and ways to help curb barking, continue reading below.
Can a Dog Bark Indefinitely?
Barking is normal for dogs, a result of thousands of years of domestication. And as mentioned above, it can occur because of several things, but we do know that excessive, non-stop barking can be annoying, and in some cases, can indicate a behavior problem. Depending on the individual character, the breed, the environment, and the temperament of the dog, barking can go on indefinitely. The size and volume of the bark is also a factor when considering how long a dog can keep on barking. The bad news for those owners and neighbors who are bothered by excessive woof is that a dog can do it for days on end without much of a break.
Common reasons for Dog Barking and How to Stop It
Veterinarians and veterinary behaviorists have listed several reasons, [2] and these include the following:
1. Territorial/Warning
Most canines are by nature territorial and dedicated to protecting their family and loved ones. When a dog feels that his home or territory is threatened, he will almost always bark, howl or growl to let an intruder (like the UPS delivery driver) know that they are close to crossing the territorial boundary. Your pup may hope to scare off an intruder by barking and notifying his owner that a stranger is nearby.
2. Alarm Barking
Related to territorial or waring vocalizations is alarm barking which is similar in that it is triggered by new or strange sights of sounds, but dogs who alarm bark usually do it in response to being startled or surprised. Examples include responses to fireworks or loud noises. This type of barking can also occur when a pup is on unfamiliar territories, such as at new places with unfamiliar animals and people.
3. Attention
Many pups bark to get a reaction from their owners, such as attention, food, or needing to go outside for a walk. In many cases, if the owner rewards the barking by responding with the desired action (such as giving a treat), this will enforce the behavior going forward. Dogs may also vocalize if they are bored and want to play. If your pooch has a habit of attention barking, you may want to try ignoring unwanted behavior and rewarding good behavior. For example, when it occurs for attention when you are busy, try to avoid eye contact, and ignore him. Then when your dog calms down, praise and reward him with a good pat and maybe a treat. This way, your dog will learn that he will get your undivided attention when he is calm and quiet.
4. Socialization
Dogs are by nature social animals, and they often woof in response to stimulation from other dogs. For example, a fire engine horn in many neighborhoods may start a neighborhood barking and howling chorus on your street. Also, they vocalize when they want to play, either with you or another dog or household pet. Canines communicate via barking, and if he is in the mood for a nice game of fetch, he may woof at you to throw the ball. Dogs also play-bark and play-growl when they play together.
READ MORE: How to Socialize a Puppy with other Dogs?
5. Fear
Fear barking is somewhat related to alarm vocalizations but triggered by a perceived threat. For example, if a dog is in a new, unfamiliar environment, and feels threatened, he will woof, and even in some cases try to bite and scratch. When a dog is frightened, it is important not to get bitten. There is a phenomenon called fear-biting in veterinary medicine and animal behavior, which may follow fear-induced vocalization. It is important to never approach a fearful dog unless you have proper training.
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6. Pain
Dogs are pack animals, and it is natural for them to mask pain or discomfort when injured or ill. This is seen as an instinctive adaptation to living in the wild, where often injured or painful pack members were at risk of predators. There are many ways dogs indicate that they are in pain, including lethargy and reluctance to move. Barking can also be a sign of pain, primarily when it occurs after a dog tries to get into a specific position, for example, getting up from a lying down position. If you think that your pooch is painful or uncomfortable, contact a veterinarian.
7. Excitement/Greeting
Almost all dog owners can agree that when getting home from work or a trip, their best friend may greet them with a hearty bark, as well as an energetic wagging tail. Wild dogs and wolves have also bark when greeting other pack members and may jump around and engage their friends in play. This way your furry canine pal is letting you know that he’s glad you are home.
8. Anxiety
Dogs who suffer from anxiety, especially separation anxiety, can also be big barkers. Anxiety can be triggered by unfamiliar surroundings, sounds, other pets or people, and being left alone. If your pup barks excessively due to a frightening object and a scary sound, you can help it by removing the source or training it not to be afraid or anxious. If your dog is uncomfortable and afraid of being alone, spending more quality time with your pup and investing in some training can help. Dogs are social animals and it’s normal for them to be anxious when they are left alone, especially for the first time. It’s important to teach your dog how to cope with being left alone at a young age and try starting with small amounts of time apart. For example, you could leave your dog at home alone for five minutes at first and then gradually increase the amount of time. Also, make sure that your furry friend has enough safe toys or puzzles to play with while you’re gone to make the experience of being alone a more positive one.
READ MORE: How To Bond With Your Dog: Ways To Improve The Relationship With A Dog
9. Boredom
Dogs may also bark due to boredom. Boredom barkers may yap non-stop, as well as exhibit destructive behaviors such as chewing your couch or destroying your TV remote control. Dogs are social animals and love companionship, and they may become anxious and fearful and start to yap when left alone. To address barking, make sure that your canine companion has plenty of exercises and ensure that he has access to plenty of safe toys and interactive puzzles such as Kong toys. Also, keep toys in a toy box and alternate the toys he has access to every day. You can also hide his toys and some treats around the house, apartment, or yard to encourage him to forage, or if you have a digger, try investing in a sandbox. If your best friend has any playmates in the neighborhood, try scheduling a playdate to help alleviate boredom and encourage socialization.
10. Cognitive dysfunction
Just like people, dogs can exhibit cognitive changes when they are older. Geriatric pups can produce different behaviors and habits, and this includes barking. Some elderly pups may woof at random times during the day or night or even do it without even realizing it. Consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about your elderly dog barking too much and suspect some cognitive dysfunction.
READ MORE: Dog is Acting like a Puppy again
Do dogs outgrow barking?
Unfortunately, dogs may never outgrow barking. However, this depends on the pup’s breed, age, and environment. For example, sometimes puppies like to yap a lot, especially when they are playing, and as they age, the barking frequency may decline. If you have a pup who yap out of boredom, fear, or anxiety, it’s important to identify the barking triggers and remove them.
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Is there a breed of dog that doesn’t bark too much?
All dogs bark, but some breeds may be less prone than others. For example, the Basenji is an ancient breed originating in South Africa and makes a sound more like a yodel or a chortle rather than a bark. Shar Peis, Italian Greyhounds, Akitas, and Shiba Inus may not bark as much as other types. However, it is important to keep in mind that all dogs are different, and even if you have a breed that’s not supposed to be a barker, he may be prone to barking depending on his temperament and the situation.
How to teach a dog do not to bark too much?
If you want to train your dog to stop barking, first you should determine the cause. For example, does your pup like to woof at people and other animals walking in front of your house, or does he do it to get attention?
If you can pin down the reason, you can effectively train your dog to minimize this behavior. Training techniques include desensitization, rewarding positive behavior, redirection, and the use of commands. If you are bothered by your dog’s excessive barking consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist. They can help you determine the cause of such behavior and make recommendations.
FAQ
Is it best to ignore a barking dog?
Some owners may wonder if ignoring their dog’s barking is a good approach. The answer depends upon the reason for the barking. For example, if your pooch vocalizes to get attention, you can try ignoring him, and redirecting his behavior with treats or a fun activity when he calms down. However, if your dog has the habit of disturbing the whole neighborhood, then ignoring the behavior may not work, in which case you should try a different approach.
Do dogs get annoyed by barking?
Although every dog barks, it is entirely possible that others may get annoyed with the excessive noise. When dogs bark continually, for whatever reason, it may cause anxiety in other pups who are less agitated and vocal. Just as loud noises may annoy certain people, it may also be the case with pups.
How long can a dog bark for?
It seems as though some pups can go forever when it comes to barking, and although there is no scientific research about how long a dog can vocalize, anecdotal sources claim [3] that dogs can yap for days depending on the breed and the circumstances. No matter how long a dog can continue to bark, it’s important to determine the cause, and consult a behavior professional regarding correcting the behavior if it’s excessive.
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Article Sources:
- 11 Noisiest Dog Breeds.” Vetstreet, 23 Sept. 2014, vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/survey-11-noisiest-dog-breeds.
- Brister, Jacqueline. “Barking Problems in Dogs.” Veterinary Partner, veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=102897&id=8641273.
- Santos, Sara. “How Long Can A Dog Bark Before It Gets Tired (How To Stop It).” Dog Advisory Council, 24 Dec. 2021, dogadvisorycouncil.com/how-long-can-dog-bark-before-gets-tired/.
