Part of forming a strong relationship with your dog involves learning to speak their language. Since most dogs can only communicate with us using body language, physical actions, whining, or barking, it’s important to understand what these represent so we can uncover the feelings they might be trying to express.

Although every dog is different, we explain some of the main reasons why dogs bark below. Dogs don’t tend to bark for no reason at all; next time your pup is barking, assess the situation and try to pin-point what your four-legged friend is trying to tell you.

One of the biggest reasons why dogs bark is because they are alarmed about something. You’ve probably already witnessed this type of barking after the doorbell rings, or your dog hears a noise outside. These types of noises catch your dog off-guard, so they start barking to express their confusion.

It is important not to yell at your dog or increase volume levels when this type of barking occurs. Adding more loud noise into the equation will make your dog even more alarmed, often encouraging them to bark even more.

How to stop your dog barking when alarmed:

A good way to stop your dog from barking is to distract them from whatever is alarming them. Try taking them outside or play with them to draw their attention away from the source of confusion.

The key to understanding why your dog is barking is to think about the context of their bark. For example, if your dog is barking with a single bark or a few barks in quick succession, they are probably telling you that they want something. This could mean that they want food or to be taken outside for a walk because they need to use the restroom. They also might be barking simply because they want some attention.

How to stop your dog barking when they want something:

When you respond to their barking, it reinforces the idea that barking gets them their desired results. Instead, you should simply ignore your dog’s barking. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give them food or take them outside after they bark, just wait a little bit to avoid positive reinforcement of their barking behavior.

Many dogs begin to understand that barking is not an effective method of communicating their needs and will instead pivot to alternative signals like tapping their bowl or sitting by the door. Make sure you reward with treats and/or praise whenever your dog uses less noisy ways to catch your attention!

Another common reason that dogs bark is because they are expressing their genuine excitement about something. For example, your dog might bark after they see another dog walking or bark when you get home as a way of greeting you. If you notice your dog’s barking behaviors occur during times in which they would likely be animated, they are most likely trying to verbally express this feeling. Look at your dog’s body language as confirmation; dogs will typically wag their tail, tap their feet, or spin in circles when excited.

How to stop your dog barking when they are excited about something:

Like with attention-seeking barking, the best solution for curbing excited barking is to ignore the behavior and only provide attention/reward when the barking has subsided. Try exiting your house and only come in to greet your dog when they no longer bark. If you pull out a new toy and your dog barks in excitement, put the toy away and try giving it to them later (if they bark again at this point, repeat the process). If your dog barks at another dog they want to greet, turn and walk in the opposite direction so they do not get rewarded for the bark.

As instinctual pack-animals, dogs will bark as a way of communicating that something unusual or threatening is nearby. This type of defensive barking also acts as a way of warding off potential predators. If your dog is barking because they feel scared, anxious, or territorial, their tail will typically tuck and their heckles may raise. There is usually a clear trigger each time this form of barking occurs.

How to stop your dog barking when they are feeling defensive:

It is important that you do not personally respond to their barking. Telling them “No” when they bark will only emphasize their anxious response to the situation.

The first step to curbing anxious or territorial barking is to identify your dog’s triggers. For some, it may be the mail carrier, others it may be anyone wearing a baseball cap. There are many different things that can trigger defensive barking in dogs, especially if you have a rescue pet that has been through unknown trauma in their past.

Once you find your dog’s triggers, implement positive reinforcement. Ensure you are diligent about providing a reward every time they do not respond to a trigger both at home and when you are around town (depending on their unique triggers). If there is something specific like hats or canes, have someone your dog trusts use these items around them to practice in the comfort of their home.

If your dog suffers from general anxiety, you may find basic at-home training very difficult. Seeking the assistance of your veterinarian if your pup’s nervous temperament begins to affect your households’ quality of life is very important. Your vet can provide additional support, resources, and even a referral to a veterinary behaviorist (a veterinarian who specializes in behavior).

Some dogs will use barks to communicate that they are in pain and require help. These barks are typically shorter, high-pitched yelps and may be accompanied by quieter whines. These barks should not be ignored. If you think your dog’s barks are triggered by pain or discomfort, book an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.

Some dogs can experience cognitive decline as they age, just as some humans can. You may find your older dog barking at something that isn’t there or letting out one or two barks randomly throughout the day.

Dogs are unfortunately not immune to psychological problems. Whether inherited or developed due to prior hardships, a dog can suffer from obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Obsessive barking is a common symptom in dogs with OCD. There may not be a clear trigger, or you may find that once triggered, their barking doesn’t resolve for a significant time.

How to stop your dog barking when they have OCD or Dementia:

If you believe your older dog may be experiencing a form of canine dementia, book an appointment with your veterinarian.

For dogs with OCD, typical training techniques are usually not adequate to curb obsessive behaviors. If your dog’s obsessive barking is decreasing the quality of your or your pet’s life, talk to your veterinarian. Your vet can provide personalized solutions that may include medicinal treatment and/or a referral to a specialized behaviorist or a trainer with extensive experience in the field of animal OCD.

If there is no clear trigger to your dog’s barking, it is important to have them checked by your vet to help uncover what your pet is trying to communicate. Since barking behaviors can sometimes stem from pain, a thorough exam will help identify any physical problems. Your veterinary team is also a great resource for behavioral issues. They can refer you to a local trainer or provide personalized insights into steps you can take to help nip the bark in the bud!

Find your local Thrive Pet Healthcare clinic and book an appointment today.