It’s up to pet owners to learn and understand what’s going on inside their furry friend’s mind, says an RSPCA pet welfare expert
One of the most frequent noise complaints across the UK is barking dogs. However, not every bark means the same thing, so it’s up to responsible pet owners to understand what’s happening in their dog’s mind and whether there’s a problem that needs to be fixed.
Dogs bark for a variety of reasons—it’s their way of communicating with each other and the world around them. But it’s fair to say that even the smallest dogs can have a loud voice that can rapidly become a noise nuisance for humans.
A barking dog can quickly become a problem, particularly to your neighbours who have no control over the animal. Failing to address the cause of a barking problem could even land you in court or face a hefty fine if your barking dog is deemed a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
The meaning of a bark can vary depending on its tone, duration and frequency, as well as the context of the situation. Pet owners must understand their dogs and try to figure out what they’re barking about – and if they can help.
RSPCA pet welfare expert Dominika Jagoda explained some of the reasons your four-legged friend might be making a fuss. Some issues are a quick fix, while others may require time and dedication to resolve, reports Wales Online.
They’re giving someone or something a warning:
Some dogs bark as a warning or to protect their ‘territory’ when they see the postman come to the door, or people passing by their home. You can stop this by reducing access to windows or gardens, or having tasty treats or toys on hand as a distraction when people approach the house.
Your dog might be bored:
Dogs are intelligent, active, and social animals. Even though they sleep for 12 to 14 hours a day, sometimes a walk or two each day is not enough. Just like children, dogs get bored, and when they do, they might moan about it. Help keep your dog stimulated by using enrichment-based toys like snuffle mats to keep their brains busy and giving them a range of toys to play with.
Something could be exciting them:
In the same way we express our excitement by cheering or whooping, dogs express theirs with a bark. Whether they’ve seen one of their friends and want to play, are excited by a new treat or toy, or they see a squirrel, it’s their way of telling us they’re happy and raring to go.
This type of barking is often quite high-pitched and accompanied by a wagging tail and perked-up ears. Once your dog starts whatever activity they’re excited by, their barking should quieten down.
They may have separation anxiety or fear:
If your dog barks when you’re not around, they may be experiencing separation anxiety. This anxiety can manifest in a number of ways, including barking. The difficulty is that if you’re not there, you’re not always aware of the issue.
This can mean it goes on for longer, causing more noise problems for neighbours. You can train your dog to be left alone for periods of time without experiencing anxiety or distress, but the key is to start small and build it up.
General fear might also be the reason your dog barks like a wild animal. Fear-related barking might happen if a dog is scared of someone approaching it or another dog, or if it is trapped with no escape route and needs help.
These barks are often deeper, and the dog may growl alongside them as a defence mechanism to help mask its fear of a potential predator. You can help by making sure you introduce your pooch to new dogs and people slowly and in a calm environment where your dog feels safe.
How can I stop excessive barking?
- Establish a routine. Having a consistent daily routine in place for your dog, which includes meal times as well as play and exercise at roughly the same time each day, helps your dog to know what activities are going to happen and when. This may stop them barking to ask for attention, food or walks.
- Find ways to help your dog feel calmer and more relaxed when they’re alone, like leaving a special toy, using a dog walker or dog sitter, or getting the help of a vet or ABTC-registered behaviourist.
- Speak to an expert to find out what the cause of your dog’s barking is. Your dog may have a different-sounding bark for food, walks, or fun. This can help you understand what’s causing your dog’s behaviour and take steps to resolve it.
Contact your local council about a noise complaint for excessive barking dogs. If there is a welfare concern, they will contact the RSPCA.
