Expert Tips on Preventing Excessive Barking from Lucy Breytenbach

• What are the most common reasons why dogs bark excessively?
• How can owners differentiate between normal barking and problematic barking?
• What are some effective techniques for training a dog to reduce excessive barking?
• How does a dog’s breed influence its barking behaviour?
• Can environmental factors, such as living in an urban area versus a rural area, affect a dog’s barking habits?
• How can owners address barking caused by separation anxiety or boredom?
• What role do socialisation and early training play in preventing excessive barking in dogs?

In this insightful interview with Lucy Breytenbach, Owner and Behaviourist at Just Dogs, we delve into the crucial aspects of dog behaviour, particularly focusing on barking. As an expert in canine behaviour, Lucy shares her wealth of knowledge on the underlying causes of excessive barking and the importance of proper training and socialisation. Her approach emphasises understanding a dog’s emotional state, addressing boredom, and enhancing communication between pets and their owners, which are essential for fostering a harmonious relationship.

What are the most common reasons why dogs bark excessively?

The number one reason is frustration and boredom. Dogs that are under-stimulated or whose physical and mental needs are not being met often bark excessively. When dogs are not given enough exercise or mental stimulation, they can become frustrated and bored, leading to barking as an outlet for their pent-up energy.

Another common reason is anxiety. Dogs that lack self-confidence or have anxious personalities may bark due to separation anxiety. These dogs feel distressed when left alone and may bark or howl to call their owners back. This insecurity and anxiety can manifest as excessive barking.

Territorial barking is another prevalent reason. Dogs may bark to protect their territory, whether it’s their home, yard, or even their owners. This type of barking is often triggered by strangers or other animals approaching their perceived territory.

How can owners differentiate between normal barking and problematic barking?

Everyone’s idea of problematic barking is slightly different, but generally, problematic barking has no endpoint and the dog struggles to regulate itself. If a dog barks continuously after alerting to a situation or expressing a need, and cannot calm down, it is considered problematic. Additionally, barking that stems from anxiety and the dog’s inability to self-regulate is also problematic.

Normal barking includes alerting to something, such as a passerby, but then stopping and calming down once the situation is acknowledged. If the dog can return to a relaxed state after barking, it’s typically normal. However, if a dog barks for more than five or six minutes within an hour, particularly due to separation anxiety, it’s a sign of a problem that needs to be addressed.

What are some effective techniques for training a dog to reduce excessive barking?

The first step is to identify the reason behind the barking. If it’s attention-seeking barking, commonly seen in retriever breeds, it’s important not to acknowledge the barking. Instead, owners should ignore the barking and ensure the dog’s needs are met on their terms.

For dogs barking due to anxiety or insecurity, it’s crucial to pinpoint the triggers and work on building the dog’s self-confidence. For example, if a dog is anxious about being alone, a leaving routine can be established. This might involve giving the dog something to chew on or lick to distract and soothe them. Dogs have five main stress outlets: barking, running, sniffing, licking, and chewing. Encouraging the latter three can help reduce stress-induced barking.

A good strategy for separation anxiety is to make the departure routine fun and rewarding for the dog. Scattering food or providing treat-filled toys can make the dog look forward to the owner’s departure. Reducing the space the dog has to protect, such as confining them to a single room, can also help reduce anxiety.

Playing calming background music, such as classical music or dog-specific separation music, can help block out external noises that might trigger barking. When leaving and returning home, it’s important to remain calm and casual, avoiding making a big fuss, as this can exacerbate the dog’s anxiety.

For alert barking, it’s important not to shout at the dog. Instead, acknowledging what the dog is barking at and then redirecting them can be effective. For example, if a dog is barking at someone passing by, the owner should calmly check what the dog is barking at, acknowledge it, and then guide the dog back inside.

How does a dog’s breed influence its barking behaviour?

Some breeds are more prone to barking due to their genetic traits and what they were originally bred for. Terriers, for instance, were bred to hunt and alert their owners to prey, so they tend to be quite barky. Schnauzers, Jack Russells, and German Shepherds are also known for their barking tendencies.

Conversely, breeds like Shih Tzus and Chows were bred to be quieter and less vocal. However, while breed characteristics play a role, individual personality is often a more significant factor. Some German Shepherds, for example, may be very quiet, while others are quite vocal. It often comes down to what the dog has learned works to communicate with their owners.

Can environmental factors, such as living in an urban area versus a rural area, affect a dog’s barking habits?

Environmental factors do play a role, but it largely depends on how the dog’s needs are met. Dogs in rural areas might bark at horses or other animals, while urban dogs might bark at people or other dogs passing by. Regardless of the environment, if a dog’s physical and mental needs are met, they are less likely to bark excessively.

Dogs living on a farm might bark at anything that moves within their territory, similar to how urban dogs might bark at passersby. What’s important is ensuring the dog is well-exercised and mentally stimulated to prevent them from finding other jobs for themselves, such as barking.

How can owners address barking caused by separation anxiety or boredom?

For separation anxiety, set up a leaving routine that includes giving the dog something to chew on or lick to help them self-regulate. Scatter food around the house to make your departure more enjoyable for the dog. Limit the dog’s space to reduce the pressure of protecting the whole property and use calming background music to block out outside noises. Act calm and casual when leaving and returning to prevent increasing the dog’s anxiety.

For boredom-related barking, ensure the dog gets enough physical exercise and mental stimulation. Interactive toys, regular walks, and playtime can help keep the dog engaged and reduce boredom-induced barking.

What role do socialisation and early training play in preventing excessive barking in dogs?

Early socialisation and training are really important because they desensitise dogs to things that might cause them to bark out of insecurity later on in their lives. If they are comfortable around children, other dogs, and different noises, they’re less likely to panic and bark out of alarm. Additionally, training allows them to communicate better with their humans, and vice versa, which helps establish what’s appropriate behaviour. This tends to make them more confident, reducing those unnecessary barks.

However, while socialisation and training strengthen the bond between the human and the dog, they don’t necessarily cure separation issues. Dogs may still wonder why they can’t go out with their owners. But as long as they have a good puppy school or training centre that they work alongside, they can tackle those issues as they arise. Most dogs with barking problems have not experienced proper socialisation and are often quite sheltered, making them wary of the outside world.