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Barking is normal behaviour for dogs, and if a dog is barking, there is generally a reason for it. It is important to identify why your dog is barking so that you can take appropriate action to fix the issue.
Dogs can bark to alert their owners to trouble or in reaction to outside stimuli like loud noises. They can also bark as a reaction to fear, boredom or anxiety. While it’s acceptable for a dog to bark to warn its owner, it’s the owner’s responsibility to train their dog not to bark at normal occurrences such as neighbours in their yards, possums, cats and birds.
Home conditions
Changing aspects of your dog’s home environment can help reduce barking.
Lack of exercise, inadequate yard space or boredom
Dogs become bored when they are confined in a backyard, enclosure, run or left alone for extended periods. This can lead to behavioural problems like digging or excessive barking.
Dogs need adequate exercise and enrichment to keep them entertained:
- Regular walks: try to walk your dog twice a day. Walks are not only good for physical health, but also provide your dog with mental stimulation.
- Toys: puzzles and enrichment toys help to mentally challenge and stimulate your dog. For entertainment ideas, visit RSPCA Victoria.
- Visitors: ask a friend or neighbour to check in on your dog or take them for an extra walk while you are away.
Inadequate shelter
Make sure your dog has comfortable shelter out of the weather. Dogs can cry for attention if they are uncomfortable due to hot, cold, windy or wet conditions.
Hunger or thirst
Your dog should have access to plenty of fresh water, along with well-balanced food every day. Your dog will bark, howl or whimper if they have not been fed or have no water to drink.
If you only feed your dog once a day, try splitting their food between morning and night. Leaving them a bone to chew throughout the day can also provide both food and mental stimulation.
Mental and physical health
Barking may be a consequence of your dog's mental or physical health. For example, flea or worm infestations, skin allergies or injury can cause significant discomfort.
Contact your local vet to help find the source of barking, and for potential solutions.
Disturbances
Understanding what disturbs your dog is important and may help you to calm your dog.
Something is provoking the dog
Remove the source of provocation or restrict access for the dog. If the source of provocation is a person, discuss and solve the problem directly with that person. Or if the person is unapproachable, you can contact the Dispute Settlement Service.
Animals and neighbours
It is an owner’s responsibility to train their dog not to bark at possums, birds, cats and other dogs. You must also train your dog not to bark at normal noises and activity taking place on neighbouring properties.
Sirens and alarms
Dogs have sensitive hearing. The volume or pitch of a siren or alarm may upset your dog.
If your dog is upset by noise, take steps to reassure them and either bring them inside or distract them from the noise until they stop barking.
Storms and thunder
If thunderstorms upset your dog, you should take them inside or stay with them until they stop barking. If your dog will be at home alone and you know there will be a storm, prepare a quiet, safe place for them to retreat to.
Uninvited visitors
Dogs can assume an uninvited visitor is a threat. Welcome your visitor in and reassure your dog, and allow your dog to socialise with the visitor so they learn they are a friend and not an intruder.
Situation changes
A change in your dog’s physical or social environment may cause your dog to start barking.
Change of territory
Dogs are territorial creatures and can become insecure and stressed when you move house. Some dogs may try to jump the fence or dig their way out in an attempt to find their way back to their own territory.
It takes time to adjust to a new house and neighbourhood, and it’s important to ensure your dog can claim their new territory. A dog’s territory is an area they have claimed by scent-marking landmarks.
Follow old routines as much as possible and keep your dog’s bedding, toys and food bowls the same. Spend time on the floor with them to add familiar smells at their level, and be patient and give them lots of attention and love.
Change to family structure
Dogs are naturally ‘pack’ animals. When placed in a family environment, a dog perceives the family as its pack. A change to the family situation (such as a new baby, children leaving home, a new partner or someone leaving after a separation) disrupts and upsets the hierarchy of where and how they fit into the pack structure.
If a change results in aggressive behaviour and resentment in your dog, seek help from a dog trainer or your vet. You need to take a firm but loving approach towards your dog's behaviour so they understand and accept the change to your family and their new position in the pack.
Dog training
Owners must teach their dogs what is and what isn’t acceptable barking. This learning process can be time-consuming and persistence is required.
Seek the professional help of a dog trainer or your vet if you need help training your dog.
Professional organisations
Contact a professional dog training organisation to help you stop bad barking or change behavioural habits in your dog. Your local vet may be able to provide names of organisations that have been successful.
For more information and resources for training your dog, visit the RSPCA website.