Your dog barks. It’s a fact of life. Some dogs are more barkers than others, but no matter the breed, it’s not unusual to hear your pup make all sorts of different noises such as whines, growls, howls, and even high-pitched squeaks. Here are five reasons why your dog might be barking:
1. Your Dog Is Bored
Why do dogs bark? Barking is entertaining, and it is a way to get your attention. Playing with your dog, going for walks, and making sure to give your dog sufficient exercise can be a great way to prevent boredom from developing. If you’re not spending enough time with your dog, it can be easy for them to get bored and start barking.
2. They Feel Lonely
Dogs are social animals. Your dog might be barking to alert you that they are feeling lonely. This can happen when they are left alone for long periods, such as overnight or during the day while you’re at work. Suppose your dog is barking while away or at work. In that case, you may want to consider hiring someone to walk your dog during the day or even adopting a new animal friend to join the family.
3. Your Dog Is Scared
Many dogs bark when they’re scared, when they’re overwhelmed, or when they’re feeling anxious. Sometimes your dog might be barking at something you don’t see, like a shadow or a reflection in the window. It can be hard to tell what’s causing your dog to bark in such cases.
If you have an idea of why your dog is barking, try to determine if there’s any way you can alleviate their fears. Maybe you have a new family member that’s been coming over too often, and your pup doesn’t know how to act around them yet. Or perhaps another dog has been pushing your dog around, and he’s not sure how to react. Whatever the reason for their anxiety, there are ways that you can help them feel more comfortable by addressing the problem with your pet.
4. They Want Something!
Since your dog can’t speak, they bark to communicate with you. Maybe they want your attention, or perhaps they’re worried about something. They might even be barking for a treat! Whatever the cause, if your pup is barking, it’s a good idea to figure out if your dog is communicating a need.
5. Your Pup Is Really Excited!
Some pups have more excitable personalities. They may bark because of your walk or because it’s close to mealtime. So, what’s the best way to calm your dog down? Easy: give them a little attention and affection. You can tell your dog that you’re on their side, let them know how much you love them, and pet them. These simple behaviors will help ease any anxiety and excitement they may be feeling. Hopefully, they’ll get back to being the good pup you know they are.
You don’t want your dog to be bored, lonely, scared, or excited. But when they are all of these things at once, the barking can begin. To stop the barking, you need to figure out why your dog is doing the barking in the first place. These five reasons are common triggers and will help you identify your dog’s true motivation.