Ever been awoken from a deep slumber because of a loud dog barking? Us too. It may be a natural part of being a dog, but when it’s disruptive for you (and your neighbours!) it's time to find some coping strategies. Here are ours.

Why do dogs bark?

First thing’s first, why exactly do dogs bark? The ‘why’ differs from dog to dog, so it’s important to sniff out the individual reason for your pooch’s uproar. Barking is part of how dogs communicate with other animals as well as humans. One common misconception is that barking dogs are aggressive dogs – when, in actual fact, they could be barking at a dog or person out of fear or a protective nature, or for a multitude of other reasons.

The main concerns that dog owners tend to struggle with are their dog barking at night and their dog barking at people – both in understanding why and learning how to put a stop to it.

Why do dogs bark at night?

Unsurprisingly, there are an abundance of reasons why dogs bark at night. Some of the most common reasons can be linked to:

• Separation anxiety: It’s common for puppies to feel anxious at bedtime, as they’re used to sleeping amongst their brothers and sisters. Senior dogs may suffer from senility and anxiety, and any dog spending all day at home alone can be quite lonely dogs..
• Needing the bathroom: Barking to communicate that they need to go outside is expected of puppies – especially whilst you’re still house training them – but this is normal in adult dogs, too..
• Sounding an alarm Your dog barking may be to alert you to danger. Common causes tend to be a potential intruder, an unusual noise, or a sudden movement.

How do I stop my dog barking at night?

Your first port of call should always be to get them checked out by a vet. You might find that they have an upset stomach, a bladder infection, or even an achy tooth. This frequently rings true for senior dogs, as their health naturally dips with their age. Your vet may recommend that your four-legged friend could benefit from an orthopedic bed, trying out stress and anxiety supplements, or perhaps keeping them occupied with the odd bedtime dental chew.

Dog barking because of a disturbance is fairly common. Animals rooting around in your bin at night, making a ruckus? Move the bin to a less accessible place. Unusual movement outside, such as a neighbour getting in their car at 4am? This may just be a new routine – your pooch will get used to it after a few days and it will become the ‘norm’.

It’s important to not discourage your dog barking at night; them alerting you to a genuine intruder or danger (e.g. a fire) can sometimes be the difference between life and death. Instead of teaching them that nighttime barking is wrong, you should find the reason for their barking, and try to find an appropriate solution. Your vet together with a qualified animal behaviourist will be a great help for this.

Why do dogs bark at people?

Intruders may be the obvious answer, but there are many other reasons why dogs bark at people:

• To get our attention: Whilst barking may be the easiest way to communicate with you, there are plenty of better (and quieter) ways that your dog can get your attention. Pawing at their bowl is a simple way to tell you they’re ready for dinner, whilst waiting by the door is a clear sign they need to be let outside. If they want to invite you to play, bringing you their favourite toy works a treat.
• Social anxiety: A common trigger for anxious dogs is socialising with new people. Bad experiences earlier in their lives can sometimes turn into lasting phobias, leading to them using their voice as a line of defence.
• Unusual facial features or clothing: Dogs thrive from routine and regularity, so when they see something out of the ordinary they may bark out of fear. Thankfully, us humans are far more subtle...

How do I stop my dog barking at people?

Identifying the trigger for your dog barking can be fairly difficult. You should begin by visiting your vet before looking at other options – such as seeking out a behaviourist and looking into products that may help.

Another solution to consider is professional dog training, even if your dog has been trained in the past. Under the strict guidance of a dog behaviourist, you could also introduce retraining tools into your home. Whilst extremely useful and often effective, it’s important to remember not to rely on these tools. They’re simply a helping hand – not a forever solution!

When learning how to support an anxious dog, it’s important to remember that different dogs will respond to different methods – they are likely many contributing factors to their anxiety. Stress and anxiety supplements can be used in conjunction with other methods,. As always, speaking with your vet should be your first step.

Our articles are not a replacement for face-to-face vet advice. It’s important to consult with your vet on a regular basis to raise any pet concerns that you may have.