Does your dog’s constant barking drive you crazy? Barking is a common dog behavior that serves many purposes. Continue reading as we listen in on a conversation between Peak City Veterinary Hospital staff favorites, Sammy the golden retriever and Pongo the Great Dane, as they explain common reasons why dogs bark, and what pet owners can do to decrease their dogs’ barking. 

Dogs bark to communicate 

Pongo: Hey, Sammy! I have a question: Why did you bark so much on our walk yesterday? I’ve never heard you be so vocal!

Sammy: There were so many creatures to talk to! I said hello to the ice cream man, I warned you about the squirrels waiting nearby to attack, and I just wanted to express how happy I was to be on a walk. I wanted to chat with everyone I saw. 

Dogs often bark to communicate with one another and people. Remember that barking is your dog’s way of “talking,” and when your dog barks, they may simply be trying to communicate their thoughts.

Dogs bark because they’re excited 

Sammy: What about you, Pongo? You barked a lot when we got home. 

Pongo: It’s because I knew it was time for dinner. I could hear Mom rustling the food bag and I was excited to eat. I also knew we would get to play outside after dinner, so I was excited for that, too. I couldn’t contain myself!

Sammy: Oh, I get that! Every time Mom comes home from work I can’t help but bark. I’m just so excited to see her after being alone all day. 

Dogs learn to associate sounds and our behaviors with certain times of the day, such as when it’s time to go for a walk or eat dinner. Dogs may bark to express their excitement about these events. 

Dogs bark for attention or because they’re bored

Sammy: Woah, why are you barking so much right now? It’s nowhere near dinner time yet. In fact, you just ate!

Pongo: I’m so bored right now. I want one of the kids to play with me, but since I don’t know where they are, I’ll keep barking until I get someone’s attention. 

Dogs are active animals, and some don’t like to go for long without exercise or attention. If your dog feels it’s been too long since you played with or petted them, they might start barking to “remind” you it’s time for some attention! 

Dogs bark due to anxiety or fear 

Pongo: What about you? Why did you just start barking? Are you bored, too? 

Sammy: No, I’m a little anxious since our Mom isn’t here. I like it better when she’s with us so I know we’re not alone and nothing bad will happen. I kinda want to try to escape and find her. 

Dogs who aren’t used to being alone can develop separation anxiety when you leave. Separation anxiety causes severe stress, much like a human panic attack, that often results in incessant barking.

Dogs bark to exhibit territorial behavior 

Pongo: Don’t do that! Remember when we escaped last week right as a salesman came to the door and we thought he was an intruder? We wanted to protect our family from the stranger so we started barking at him. It worked—kind of. l He ran away, but he got mad and yelled at Mom. We don’t need a repeat of that! 

Some dogs can be protective and territorial. Dogs often bark at strangers to keep them away from their most prized possessions: you and your home! 

Dogs bark when they’re in pain

Sammy: You’re right. That was a bad day in general. Remember when we were playing in the backyard and a thorn got stuck in your paw? You started barking and howling so much, you freaked out the kids! 

Pongo: Of course I remember that! I was in so much pain, I needed help getting the thorn out quickly. 

Barking is also your dog’s way of communicating that they need help. If your dog is in pain, they may bark or whine to summon you to relieve their discomfort. 

How to decrease your dog’s barking

Sammy: Mom likes that we’re able to communicate what we think and feel, but I think she gets annoyed when we bark too much. If she were to rotate our toys and activities more often I wouldn’t get bored and resort to barking. She’s tried rewarding us with treats when we didn’t bark in situations where we usually would, and that’s helped a lot.

Pongo: I agree! Sometimes she ignores me when I bark too much. I don’t like being ignored, and that tells me she won’t tolerate my behavior and I should stop. Also, the more she takes us around other dogs and people, the less curious I am about them. I’ve started to realize I don’t need to bark at everyone.

While barking is a natural form of communication for dogs, excessive barking can become stressful and annoying. Try Sammy and Pongo’s tips to help keep your dog from barking so often. 

Although canine behavior can be puzzling, we wouldn’t trade our furry best friends for the world. If you have questions about your dog’s barking, don’t hesitate to contact our Peak City Veterinary Hospital team for advice.