A dog who won’t stop barking is bad, but a dog who won’t stop barking at 3 am is worse – Just me…
We’ve all been there( I think). When your best friend decides to sing you a sonata just when you start dozing off.
But fear not! In this guide, no matter who you are – from a dog parent of 5 years or just someone thinking about getting their first pup ever – you can learn why your dog barks at your home and how to get back peace during its nights.
Dogs bark. It’s what they do. Why do birds sing or cats meow? Barking in a dog is one of the most natural things they do, left over from their wolf ancestors who used barks as vocal reminders to communicate within the pack.
For them Barking is like texting you. They might be thinking “Hey, someone’s at the door!” or “I’m bored, play with me!” or even that “I don’t feel so good.” The trick is in learning how to translate them.
You need to know first that not all barks are the same. And knowing what type of barking your dog is doing will help you understand him so he can stop:
| Type of barking | Description | Sound |
|---|---|---|
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Territorial Barking |
Which is the equivalent of your dog saying: ‘Get off my lawn!’ It’s usually when something that is not normal is happening, whether it be |
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Attention-Seeking Barking |
Like when a little child taps you on the elbow or knee. But if you know your dog well, that long whine tells you something MUST be done and it must be NOW. |
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Barking Due to Fear or Anxiety |
If your dog is feeling fearful or anxious about something, maybe a loud noise or thunderstorms, he may bark to get you up and this barking is usually persistent. |
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Boredom Barking |
Have you ever been so bored that you literally want to scream? Well, this can happen to your puppy too if they are left alone for too long. |
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Medical-Related |
Barking At times, dogs bark too much when they are experiencing pain or feeling uncomfortable. If your dog’s barking habits have suddenly altered, remember to go check with the vet. |
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*Types of barking sounds can vary from one dog to another. This demonstration only showcases the diverse range of vocalizations dogs can produce.
Now that we know the various types of barks let us see why your dog decides to do this at night:
Some dog breeds are just talkative than others, as might some humans be, it’s just in the nature traits, I like to talk too much while my friend is a bit quiet. Breeds like Beagles: Terriers, Chihuahuas (Yes, little but…), Miniature Schnauzers are known to bark more. Of course, each dog is a unique individual!
When your dog barks continuously for fifteen minutes, or if their bark does not fall within the trigger category, then this is problematic and can be harmful not only for your ears but also for your dog. So don’t be shy consulting the vet or trainer.
And finally, what you’ve all been waiting for! How to make your dog stop. Well, to be honest, there isn’t a special formula that works 100% but here are some tips to help reduce barking. The only key is CONSISTENCY. Keep doing this and after one week you might see changes:
A dog that receives regular exercise is also far more likely to sleep during the night. A minimum of 30 minutes of exercise (Walks or playtime), in addition to some mental stimulation like puzzle toys or creative training sessions, EACH DAY.
Use positive reinforcement to teach your dog a “quiet” command. Here is how you can do it:
Ensure you get them a good cozy, quiet space to sleep while feeling safe. And perhaps a comfy bed might also solve the problem of this barking dog through the night. Everything from pheromone diffusers to calming treats is on the market for dogs with anxiety. It is always prudent to consult with your veterinarian when using new products.
This one is very hard, but important: Do not respond to your dog barking with attention (even negative attention). This will further encourage the behavior. Only reward your dog when he gets quiet.
Have multiple four-legged songsters? Here’s how to handle it: First, detect who’s the one responsible for the barking start because barking can be contagious. Then: Start training them individually and give more care about the barking leader because often when he doesn’t start no one will. and if possible try separating your dogs during sleep time.
Oh Yes, indeed there are laws! Here’s what you need to know:
Most cities have town ordinances determining if, when, and to what degree noise (including dog barking) is allowable. Sometimes, your dog’s barking is actually classified as a nuisance and you can be fined. The solution: Communication is key. Speak with your neighbor, tell them the steps you are taking to deal with this problem and request a period for a solution.
Remember, Los Angeles was not built in a day and your dog will unfortunately also still bark overnight. Give it time, be persistent and enjoy the small wins. With some time and effort, you can help your dog know when barking is allowed and when it’s time for peace. Dogs need to be trained, and while it is time-consuming, the calm (and glad neighbors) you get in return will have your Kyoshi saying he’s ready. Bonus, that means more sleep! Well, I for now think that I have to remind my Elliott (A Jack Russell that you might see more on this blog) that 3 AM cannot be bark-athon time. Wish me luck!
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