Do Dogs Get Tired of Barking?

DO DOGS GET TIRED OF BARKING?

Does your dog ever get tired of barking? Well no, dogs do not get tired of barking. Barking is a dog’s innate behavior. According to Paul McGreevy, a Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney. It is suggested that dogs can communicate by using ten different types of sound, ranging from growling to howling, and yes, barking. A dog barking sounds different depending on the variety of these sounds.

Dogs bark for a variety of reasons. It may seem like it takes them a significant amount of energy to bark, but it does not. They may become mentally drained, but that does not mean barking itself makes them feel exhausted.

Is your dog barking frequently and sometimes excessively? The first step to helping them manage and control their barking is to figure out why they are barking. You can then work from there.

WHY DO DOGS BARK?

Dogs rarely bark without any reason, as mentioned. So, what causes dogs to bark? Aside from being a means of communication, it is also a way for dogs to express their needs, wants, and dislikes for something. There is always a reason why a dog is barking.

Here are some reasons why your dog might be barking:

Communication

A dog barking is a form of communication. The main reason why dogs bark is to reach out to you. When a stray animal is on your lawn, your dog barks to tell them to get out of their territory. There are many examples of your dog using their voice to communicate.

Greeting

Barking as a form of greeting happens often. For example, when you arrive back home after a day’s work and your furbaby runs to the door and barks at you, they are barking to say hello. A greeting bark could also happen when your dog is out for a walk and meets other pets or people they are friends or familiar with. Note that there is a difference between a greeting bark and reactivity or aggression.

Boredom

As companion-based animals, dogs get bored when they are left alone. They are also fun-loving and free-spirited which means a lack of stimulation causes them to become lonely or bored. When boredom begins to kick in, they may start to bark to express and release their frustration. Whether it be a lack of physical exercises or mental enrichment, start making sure that your furbaby gets enough mental and physical stimulation. It is a good idea to give them activities like snuffling in a Forager™ Bowl or chewing on Gnawtlers®.

Excitement

On the other hand, your dog might bark because of excitement. Just as kids shriek when they are enthusiastic about something, dogs do the same through barking. You will know that they are barking out of excitement if you notice a relaxed body language and a wagging tail—even if they are letting out big barks or chains or barking.

Marking and Protecting Territories

Dogs are territorial by nature. Known as territorial barking, they will bark at someone or some animal they are not familiar with if their territory is being approached. They will bark to wade off the stranger and will not stop barking unless they go away.

RSPCA Australia urges modifying your dog’s association with strangers by offering treats when they are calm and behaved when someone or some animal passes by. You can ask neighbors, delivery men, and friends to offer your furbaby treats or pets if they are comfortable in order to build trust and positive relationships. Further, see to it that nobody shouts at your dog as they may misperceive yelling as barking. The Humane Society of the United States states this can encourage them to keep barking.

Bad Weather and Unexpected Situations

Dogs bark to alarm you that something in your surroundings is unfamiliar. They act as a security alarm when unknown visitors come to your house. They alarm you when there are wild animals on your lawn. What’s even more amazing? They alarm you whenever bad weather or a storm is coming. Dogs, impressively, can sense bad weather and emergency situations before you can.

Attention

Your dog may be barking because they want to get your attention. They will continue barking unless you reward them or respond to them. Your dog may be seeking your attention because they are:

• Hungry or thirsty
• Need to pee or poop
• Insecure in their current environment
• Bored and want to play

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety also causes a dog to bark, oftentimes excessively. Aside from barking excessively, separation anxiety also leads to destructive behaviors, such as gnawing and accidents. If you think your furbaby is struggling with separation anxiety, learn how to deal with it.

HOW TO STOP A DOG FROM BARKING

Managing your dog’s barking requires commitment, consistency, and patience. Here are a few tips for how to stop a dog from barking to remember the next time you can’t get your dog to stop barking:

• Even if the barking is getting into your nerves, do not shout. Ever. Shouting will only make your furbaby think you are joining them in their barking, too!
• Provide your dog with enriching and stimulating activities. These activities will keep them entertained and tired but happy. Although dogs do not get tired of barking, a tired dog will bark less.
• Give Gnawtlers®, premium naturally shed antler dog chews, to keep your furbaby preoccupied. These elk and deer antler chews are a fun outlet perfect for dogs who are bored, anxious, or excited. Plus, they are safe, do not break or splinter so easily, are jam-packed with nutrients, and strengthen your furbaby's teeth.
• Offer a snuffle mat or bowl. A snuffle mat or bowl, like the Forager™ Mat or Forager™ Bowl provides valuable enrichment for dogs and can serve as a distraction for your furbaby. It may also act as stand-alone entertainment to keep your dog busy. Plus, it can help decrease anxiety and boredom.
• Reward a calm and quiet behavior regularly. Your furbaby will soon realize that behaving is a good way to get yummy treats or longer playtime. Positive reinforcement may take a while but it will make a big difference in managing your dog’s barking.
• Help prevent excessive excitement barking by calming down your dog by giving them Pet Parents® Calming SoftSupps® daily to promote balanced behavior over time.
• Do not make a big fuss when greeting your dog or try distracting your dog when barking by having them carry out a command they know well, like sitting. Giving them a task distracts their excitement.
• Be patient.