Dogs communicate verbally and non-verbally; their only form of oral communication is barking. However, some dogs bark to an extreme length, and you may have heard dogs barking for hours. If you have a barking canine in your home and struggle with his constant whooping, you must be thinking, “will my dog ever just get tired of barking”?
Keep scrolling to dig out the truth!
Do Dogs Get Tired of Barking?
Unsurprisingly, no, dogs do not get tired of barking, but you may still wonder why they bark excessively and incessantly. Well, they do not bark without any reason; there is always something that stimulates barking, such as marking their territory, seeking attention, making you alert, and greeting you. Or, it may be due to separation anxiety or to express any emotion.
You may find it odd, but barking reinforces dog behavior. That is, barking makes dogs feel good and fresh, driving them to bark more.
But for how long can dogs generally bark? Studies show that dogs can bark for days. However, the barking duration depends on the dog’s size and bark volume. Dogs that bark at a higher volume will bark for less time as compared to dogs barking at a lower volume.
According to Dr. Ashley Rossman, a certified veterinarian, there is no way to know exactly how long dogs can bark. HHHHHowever, after prolonged barking, changes occur in the frequency and volume of the barking, so it may be that dogs tire themselves. Likewise, Dr. Gabrielle Fade, a DVM, says that dogs bark excessively, usually in their Kennel, leading to the “loss of voice.”
Thus, dogs bark continuously until their needs have been fulfilled!
Why Do Dogs Bark?
As we have already discussed, dogs bark for a reason. They don’t bark to hear themselves as we humans do. If you find out why your dog is barking, it is pretty straightforward that barking will wane soon. Therefore, it is essential to find the driver behind their barking; otherwise, their barking will continue constantly.
Let’s find out why your dog might be overly barking.
Your Dog Needs Something
Dogs usually bark when they need something—it is called demand barking. Demand barking is shorter than the other barking, and it may be a single bark or a handful of barks in a quick cycle. It is a controlled one, and dogs will look at you if they want anything.
You should not respond to that barking as it will reinforce and encourage the behavior.
Your Dog Is Alarmed
Dogs bark excessively when they get alarmed, which occurs when your dog catches the attention of something, like the doorbell rings or any other unusual thing. To stop your dog from this type of barking, divert his attention. Maybe, toss a ball toward him?
Your Dog Needs Attention
Dogs are social animals and require constant human attention, so if your dog bark constantly, he may need something, such as:
- He wants to play
- He needs acknowledgment
- He doesn’t like the environment
- He may be hungry or thirsty
Since dogs are animals, you cannot always find the reason why your dog is barking. If you were unable to, assume that your dog wants to interact with you and needs your attention.
Showing His Territory
Usually, dogs are territorial and protective animals. When someone unknown tries to invade their assumed territory, they start barking loud and excessively. They keep barking unless the intruder moves out of the domain. This type of barking is called territorial barking.
If the dog frightens the trespasser once and leaves the territory, the behavior is further reinforced in dogs. If the same situation repeats, your dog will start barking again until the intruder complies.
There Are Other Reasons Also Due to Which Dogs Bark More than Normal
- Wants to Communicate with your or other dogs
- As a style of greeting
- Express emotions
- Need help
- Manage Loneliness
- Is Excited
- Has a loss of vision
Few Behavioral Issues That Trigger Excessive Barking in Dogs:
- Boredom
- Separation anxiety
- Stress
- Fear
- Loud sounds
How to Stop Excessive Barking?
After finding out why your dog is barking excessively, you must think about how to stop this. Luckily, regardless of the breed of your canine, the following techniques will help you deal with and manage barking dogs.
Discourage Your Dog
If your dog bark, do not give him any reward when the barking is going on. If you give him a treat or say a few encouraging words, it will reinforce his behavior. Ignoring him or diverting his attention, however, may help reduce excessive barking.
Take Him to the Vet
Health problems can also trigger incessant barking in dogs. There may be an internal problem you may not notice that keeps your dog on his toes, or it could be a hidden injury. So, you must take him to the veterinarian and ensure that he is not suffering from any health issues.
Training of Your Dog
Training also helps if you have an excessive barker at home. It manages the behavior early in puppyhood. But if your dog is an adult and barks most of the time, train him not to bark. For instance, if he is barking at guests arriving at your home, tell him, ‘go to bed.’ If he listens, toss him a treat or just say, ‘good boy/girl.’
This is just one way, but there are other humane and effective ways of teaching your dog not to bark. Similarly, a dog trainer may help you if your dog is a victim of attention-seeking behavior.
Treat His Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety can also be the reason behind your furry friend’s overly barking. So, if he has separation anxiety, address the problem with the help of a vet, and he will reduce excessive barking.
Dogs that have anxiety get stressed and frightened quickly. Thunder shirt is suitable for dogs to feel better in case of fear and stress.
Use of Bark Collar
If you have tried all other options to prevent the relentless braking of your dog and it still did not work out, then you may use a bark collar as a last resort. Bark collars come with different technologies. Some of them deliver a low-level electric shock to dogs, while there are others that send a specific scent upon detecting bark.
Yet another type of bark collar, called ultrasonic collars, produces a sound that humans cannot hear but irritates dogs. We do not recommend electric shock collars, as the alternatives are more humane.
Using a bark collar is negative reinforcement which helps only in the short term as it does not sort out the real issue.
Other solutions include:
- Giving play time to your canine
- Keeping your dog in dog daycare
- Ignoring his barking
Excessive Barkers
Not all dog barks excessively, but certain dog breeds bark more than others. Dogs used for hunting and guarding bark more, such as Beagles, Terriers, Chihuahuas, etc.
Likewise, small and aggressive dogs also bark more.
Given Breeds Are Excessive Barkers
- French Bulldogs
- Boston Terriers
- German Shepherds
- Fox terriers
- West Highland terriers
- Saint Bernard