Have you ever sat up at night, listening to your beloved pet as he belts out the latest rendition of his favorite tune, and wondered to yourself, “do dogs get tired of barking?” Excessive barking is perhaps one of the biggest issues that dog owners face, especially if they live in a heavily populated area.
If your dog’s barking keeps you (and the neighbors) up at night, we’re here to help. Although it may seem so, your dog won’t bark forever. In this article, we will explore whether dogs get tired of barking and how to stop excessive barking. Let’s start by learning the most common reasons dogs bark.
Do Dogs Get Tired of Barking?
How many times have you ever sat listening to your dog’s excessive barking? You may have been thinking, “If I wait long enough, surely my dog will get tired of barking and stop.” But do dogs get tired of barking? We will examine this question first.
The truth is that a dog’s bark comes naturally, and unfortunately, they do not get tired of barking. Dogs rarely stop barking on their own, even if yours is a tired dog. While all dog breeds bark, it could be a behavior problem if your dog barks incessantly.
Sadly for the dog sitter and neighbors dealing with a dog’s excessive barking, it is not likely to stop. This is true no matter how much pet owners hope the dog will get tired of barking.
Most dog owners will have to look at different options for their pets if they want them to stop barking excessively. But why do dogs bark, and why won’t they stop barking?
A Dog Bark May Be From Separation Anxiety
While it is not always the case, some dogs bark excessively from separation anxiety. In nature, dogs are rarely alone. They are pack animals and are used to being in almost constant contact with their family. Because of this intuitive nature, a dog may develop separation anxiety when left alone for long periods.
While some assume separation anxiety is simply a result of a spoiled dog who is too attached to its owner, this is not necessarily true.
If left untreated, your dog could develop mental and physical problems later on. It is important to speak to your vet if you think your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety.
Your Dog’s Barking May Be Territorial Barking
Another reason your dog may be excessively barking is that he is guarding his territory. Not only are dogs pack animals, but they are also territorial and will sound the alarm if another dog trespasses. In fact, territorial barking or alarm barking is the number one reason a dog barks, but it can lead to destructive habits and unwanted behaviors.
On the one hand, this type of dog barking is a good thing. Many people get a dog for protection and to help guard their property. This may be why you’re having an issue with your dog barking. It might simply be a bit confusing for the dog. He’s “just doing his job,” after all.
The problem is that when this type of dog barking becomes excessive, the dog owner, delivery person, and the entire neighborhood can suffer. It can also be detrimental to anyone who tries to visit, as well as to the dog. Dogs who are extremely territorial may bite other humans unprovoked and will have a hard time being socialized.
Loneliness or Boredom Could Be the Reason Dogs Bark
Being left alone and bored could also make a dog bark. When they have no mental stimulation, dogs tend to bark excessively. If boredom causes a dog to start barking, he may continue to bark excessively until mental or physical stimulation is offered.
One of the easiest ways to fix this issue is to ensure that your dog gets out of the house and gets enough exercise. In fact, making sure that your dog is physically tired at night is one of the best ways to silence its barking.
Your Dog’s Barking Could Be Attention-Seeking Behavior
Dogs are known as “man’s best friend,” and all too often, the only attention that your dog will ever get is from you. If you are not spending lots of time with your dog, it could lead to behavioral issues such as constant barking.
Your dog could be seeking attention from you for several reasons. Perhaps they are hungry or thirsty. Maybe they need to go outside to play or to go potty.
Your dog could be craving socialization and playing with other animals, such as cats or other dogs. Or, it could simply be that your dog wants attention from you.
Anxiety Such as Fear of Bad Weather Can Cause Your Dog to Bark
Your dog’s behavior could also be from fear or anxiety. Such cases often start when the dog is a puppy. They may start barking at storms or other fears at a young age. This is one of the reasons that dog training can be so important while the dog is still young.
There are several options for treating an anxious dog. Some pet parents choose CBD oil for anxiety and pain in their pets. You will need to check with your vet to see if this supplement is safe for your puppy.
You might also try an anxiety vest to calm your dog’s fears. These are garments made to wrap snugly around your dog, hugging him with slight pressure on his abdomen to help calm him during storms, fireworks, etc.
How To Stop Your Dog’s Constant Barking
There are several steps that you can take to stop your dog’s barking. Of course, you should speak with your veterinarian first to ensure there isn’t a physical reason for the dog to act out.
Once your vet has verified that your pet is in good health, you might decide to talk to a dog trainer about behavior training that may help your dog. Teaching your dog obedience and basic commands as a puppy will go a long way toward successful training when they are grown.
It can often be easier to calm a puppy’s barking than an older dog that is having issues with such behavior. You should start training your dog as soon as your vet and dog trainer feel your pet is ready. Some dogs may benefit from bark collars, while others do well with positive reinforcement.
Dogs tend to learn better from positive reinforcement than punishment. By nature, most puppies are eager to please their families and experience great joy from being praised. Of course, they’ll also do “anything for a Scooby snack,” so be sure to bring along plenty of treats!
As mentioned, bark collars also work for some dogs. Such methods should be used as a last resort after other training methods have failed. A bark collar will give your dog a little shock every time he barks, which makes it impossible for him to learn when it is appropriate to do so. Many pet lovers are absolutely against bark collars.
Which Dogs Bark the Most?
Of course, treatment options vary based on breed, age, and dog size. Smaller dogs, such as Yorkshire Terriers, tend to bark more often. Other factors, such as whether or not the dog stays in the house or is mostly outside, how they act at doggy daycare, and whether they typically have good behavior other than barking, will also come into play.
If you are considering getting a new dog but live in a populated area where excessive barks could be a problem, knowing which dogs bark the most is a good idea. Along with the Yorkshires, several other terriers make that list.
Boston Terriers, Rat Terriers, Jack Russels, Scottish Terriers, and several other small dog breeds tend to be constant yappers. Other small dogs such as Chihuahuas, Corgis, Lhasa Apsos, and Papillons all make the list too, but there are also a few larger breeds known to be barkers.
Herd dogs, such as the Australian Shepherd, can also bark a lot because their instinct to control the other animals around them is ignored. Saint Bernards and Siberian Huskies can also be quite talkative.
If you live in a rural setting where there are no neighbors to complain, it might be fine. Otherwise, you may want to look for a dog that isn’t prone to barking.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been asking yourself, “Do dogs get tired of barking?” then chances are that you already see issues that your dog’s barking creates and are looking for solutions. A good dog trainer can help you learn what makes your dog bark and how to calm them.
