At Avoca Drive Animal Hospital, we understand that while a dog's bark is a completely natural form of communication, constant barking can be a source of stress in any household. It’s one of the most common concerns we hear from pet owners. The crucial first step is to understand whether barking is normal or abnormal, depending entirely on the context. It’s your dog’s voice, and they are using it for a reason.

It Should Never Be Addressed with Punishment. Ever.

Let's be clear on the most important point first: you should never punish a dog for barking. Punishment creates fear and anxiety, which can worsen the barking, damage the trust between you and your dog, and often leads to other, more severe behavioural problems. Instead of scolding, our goal is to understand what your dog is trying to tell us.

Common Reasons for Barking: What is Your Dog Saying?

A bark is not just a noise; it’s a signal. Most of the time, "annoying" barking falls into one of these categories:

• Raising the Alarm: This is the classic watchdog bark. Your dog has heard or seen something new or startling—the postie, a car door slamming, a neighbour in their yard—and is alerting you to a potential change in the environment. Their job, as they see it, is to let the family know.
• Defensiveness: This type of barking often happens when a dog feels threatened or protective. It’s a way of saying, “Stay back, this is my space!” You might see this when another dog or person approaches your property or gets too close on a walk. It's a warning designed to make the perceived threat go away.
• Information Seeking: Sometimes, a dog barks to get a reaction or to ask a question. “Can I have that crust you dropped?” “Will you please throw the ball?” “Did you see that cat?” They are using their voice to interact with you and their environment, seeking your attention or a response.
• Separation Anxiety: This is a frequent and very important cause of incessant barking. When a dog who is deeply bonded to their family is left alone for long periods, they can experience genuine panic. In this situation, the barking is not a nuisance; it is a distress call. It is totally reasonable for a dog left without company to call out for help. There are many things you can do to reduce this, and separation anxiety is another topic in itself, but it is a primary cause of barking that must be addressed with compassion.

We Asked Them To Bark, and Now We Find It Annoying

For centuries, we have genetically selected dogs for specific traits. Many beloved breeds, from German shepherds to terriers, were developed to be guardians, hunters, and sentinels. We specifically bred them to use their voices to alert us to danger and protect our homes. It is completely unreasonable to now expect these same dogs not to bark at all. Barking is their innate means of communicating with us, and it’s a vital part of who they are.

So, How Do We Manage Problematic Barking?

While we respect a dog's need to communicate, excessive barking can be managed effectively and humanely. The solution lies in two key areas:

1. Environmental Management: This involves making changes to your dog’s surroundings to reduce the triggers. This might mean using window film to block the view of the street, providing more engaging puzzle toys to prevent boredom barking, or creating a safe and comfortable space for a dog with separation anxiety.
2. Behaviour Modification Training: This is a science-based approach to changing your dog's behavioural response. It involves teaching your dog an alternative behaviour to barking (like going to their mat) and changing their emotional reaction to a trigger from anxious to calm. This type of training is complex and requires expertise to be successful.

In some cases, especially when the barking is rooted in deep-seated anxiety, medication can help. However, medication is not a standalone cure. It is most effective when used in combination with an expert training program designed to address the underlying issue. This is where a veterinarian's input is crucial.

As veterinarians with a special interest in behaviour, we can help you identify the cause of the barking and create a comprehensive plan that is humane, effective, and tailored to your dog's specific needs.

You don't have to live with constant barking, and your dog doesn't have to live with the stress that causes it.

If you have any questions or are struggling with your dog's barking, please contact us at Avoca Drive Animal Hospital. We are here to help. Call us on 4365 1086.