Excessive Barking in Dogs

Excessive barking in dogs can become a nuisance and highly problematic. This is a condition where the barking behavior of a dog becomes uncontrollable and excessive.

Expecting dogs to never bark is the same as expecting people to never speak. However, not all barking is cute and appropriate. it would not be easy to find a person who enjoys when dogs do that excessively. Not only can it lead to serious problems in your own house but it can also cause some really unpleasant conflicts with your neighbors.

Barking is one of many forms of vocal communication for dogs. Dog owners in Nigeria are often pleased that their dog barks, even loudly. This is because it alerts them to the approach of people and other elements to their home. it uses this medium to also tell them there’s something that the dog wants or needs.

Dogs can bark excessively in response to people, dogs or other animals within or approaching their territories. Some dogs barks excessively only when they hear other dogs barking or when they’re placed in a frustrating situation.

When looking for a permanent solution, keep in mind that it is important for you, as the dog’s owner, to find the source of the behavior. If your dog is barking because of boredom, providing your pet with something to do may be the answer.

Also, talk to your veterinarian who can provide behaviour advice. He may perform a full health check to make sure there are no medical reasons for the excessive barking.

Reasons for Excessive Barking in Dogs

There could be several reasons why your dog is barking too much. Although excessive barking is often a behavioral concern, it’s always important to rule out health concerns first.

Territorial/Protective Barking

Dogs often bark at the presence of “intruders,” such as the mailman or any other person or dog walking near the house. While barking, his posture appears threatening with his tail held high and his ears perked forward. 

Health Problems

Some dogs bark because they’re in pain or have another health issue. Check to see whether your dog has a tender spot somewhere; it may bark if that area is touched. You should have your dog evaluated by your veterinarian.

Boredom

Dogs that are left alone all day with nothing to do often resort to barking out of boredom. Boredom barkers will bark continuously and may also exorcise their frustration on your properties.

Alarm/Fear

Some dogs bark at any noise or object that catches their attention or startles them. This can happen anywhere, not just in their home territory. Their ears will be back and tail tucked when they are in a state of fear. 

Separation Anxieties

Dogs with separation anxiety often bark excessively when left alone. They also usually exhibit other symptoms as well, such as pacing, destructiveness, depression, and inappropriate elimination.

Attention seeking

Dogs can bark when trying to call out to their human owner or when bored through being left alone for long periods of time or having nothing to do while its humans are at work/away from the home.

How to Stop Excessive Barking in Dogs

If you believe your dog is barking reactively to strangers, family members or other dogs, consider reaching out to a certified professional dog trainer for help.

If your dog is diagnosed with a medical condition that is causing them to bark excessively, your veterinarian will discuss treatment options with you. Generally, dogs that bark excessively when they are ill or in pain will need to have their pain managed with prescription medications.

To help stop excessive barking that can be caused by fear, territorialism, loneliness, or attention-seeking, try to pinpoint the exact trigger. If possible, remove that trigger from your dog’s life and work on behavior modification training. Start with basic commands, like sit and down in order to shift the focus from barking and reward your dog for good behavior.