What Makes Dogs Bark Excessively?

Barking is a completely natural and expected form of communication for all dogs, but sometimes the barks become too much. What causes a dog to bark excessively, you might wonder? There are many factors that can play into nonstop noisemaking. Learn more about what makes dogs bark incessantly and how to stop it before it becomes a bigger issue.

Why Dogs Bark Incessantly

If your dog barks excessively, it may have something to do with their health. They could be sick, or they might have a tender spot that makes them cry out in pain when touched. Barking more than usual can also be a result of aging—dogs get dementia too, and they’ve been known to bark at things that aren’t really there. If you suspect that your dog is barking for health reasons, take them to a vet as soon as you can.

Other reasons for excessive barking usually have to do with behavior. A dog might be responding to their fear of something through barking. Normally, dogs look concerned and frightened when they bark out of fear. Some dogs bark incessantly out of loneliness, too, and in more extreme cases, it could even be a sign of separation anxiety.

How to Stop Excessive Barking

If you are ready to get your noisy dog under control and stop incessant barking for good, there are many training methods you can use. Commands, treats, interactive toys, and giving your dog plenty of physical exercise are all good strategies to try first. Anti-bark collars like the BarkMute Ultrasonic Vibration Collar are also great solutions. BarkMute is a safe and humane collar that stops excessive barking by reacting to your dog’s noise with sound and/or vibrations. Before long, they’ll associate these sensations with their bark and learn to keep a lid on it. The BarkMute collar has seven different settings so you can tailor the level of correction to the severity of your dog’s barking problem.

When you’re ready to live a more peaceful life with your dog, take action! Try to find their trigger and attempt a few different approaches to see how your dog responds best. Don’t give up hope if you do not see immediate results. As always, the best solution is to stick with your method of training for long-term results.