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Pre-Puppy
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Pre-Puppy

What’s better than puppies? That’s right: your own puppy. So, what do you need to know before you take the plunge into pet parenthood?

0-2 months
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0-2 months

Welcome to the world little one. It’s all grow-grow-grow for your puppy right now, so there’s many things to prepare.

2-3 months
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2-3 months

Your puppy is ready to come home and turn your world upside down. It’s time to put your preparation into practice – and remember to take it all in!

3-6 months
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3-6 months

You’re entering a period of immense growth, lots of learning and new adventures. Bring on the play date with the big wide world!

6-12 months
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6-12 months

Your fur-baby is nearing adulthood. Can you see their grown self coming through? Sigh…they grow up so fast, don’t they?

12-18 months
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12-18 months

Your puppy has turned one and they might not be so little anymore. Make sure to book their first annual check-up.

18 months - 3 years
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18 months - 3 years

Your dog is one an established family member now. Enjoy who they have become and the bond you now share at this special stage.

3 - 8 years
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3 - 8 years

Your dog is a full-grown adult now. They understand where their place is in your home and the wider world.

8+ years
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8+ years

Just like many senior citizens, senior dogs have some extra needs. Learn to look after your best friend and support their health as they grow older.

Why dogs bark and how to reduce excessive barking

Dr Kate Mornement - Pet Behaviourist profile picture

Dr Kate Mornement - Pet Behaviourist

PhD in Companion Animal Behaviour, BSc(Hons) in Zoology

Dr Kate Mornement is an Applied Animal Behaviourist, Consultant and Educator to pet parents, industry, government and media. She has a PhD which focused on companion animal behaviour from Monash University and a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Zoology (Animal Behaviour) from La Trobe University.

Why dogs bark and how to reduce excessive barking

Almost all dogs bark. Some bark a lot, others hardly bark at all. So why do dogs bark and what can you do if your dog barks excessively?

Why do dogs bark?

Barking is a completely normal behaviour for dogs and one way they communicate with us and those around them. Dogs can bark for different reasons and this means that not all barks mean the same thing.

Here are some of the most common reasons why dogs bark:
1.Territorial behaviour

Dogs often bark when people knock on the door or walk past their home (their territory). This is an instinctual behaviour to warn the other family members of a potential threat.

2. Attention-seeking behaviour

Some dogs learn that barking results in a desired outcome such as attention, being let inside or outside or having a ball thrown. The behaviour is then repeated in an attempt to achieve a desired outcome.

3. Separation anxiety

Dogs who experience anxiety when separated from their owner or family often bark, whine and howl for long periods of time when home alone. Their barking is a symptom of their underlying anxiety.
4. Boredom – When dogs are bored they may entertain themselves by giving themselves a job to do. This can involve barking at birds, noises or in response to hearing other dogs bark in the neighbourhood.

When is barking considered “excessive”

Barking is a normal behaviour and most dogs bark from time to time. However barking can become excessive when it occurs frequently during the day and for long periods of time. Nuisance barking complaints are the most common complaints local councils in Australia receive from their residents. Formal complaints can result in dog owners having to take action to reduce the barking.

How to reduce Excessive Barking

Successfully reducing excessive barking involves identifying and addressing the cause of the barking. For example, a dog that’s barking all day due to separation anxiety will need a different approach to reducing excessive barking compared to a dog who is barking due to territorial behaviour.

Let’s look at the most common reasons dogs bark excessively and the best way to reduce barking for each one:
1.Territorial behaviour

You can help reduce territorial barking by blocking visual access to people walking past, such as holes in fences and gates.

Opaque window film can also be very effective at blocking a dog’s view of people and other dogs walking past.

At the same time, you can work to teach your dog that people walking past is a good thing by pairing them with high value treats for calm and compliant behaviour, such as sitting.

2. Attention-seeking behaviour

Teach your dog that barking no longer pays off. Avoid giving your dog anything they desire as a consequence for barking. Instead, completely ignore the barking and give them what they want as a consequence of NOT barking. With repetition and consistency you’ll see their barking reduce.

3. Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety can take time to treat and some dogs benefit from medication in conjunction with behaviour modification to teach them how to cope with separation. If you suspect your dog is experiencing separation anxiety, speak with your vet. Behaviourists and dog behaviour consultants can work with you to address separation anxiety.

4. Boredom

Dogs are highly intelligent and were originally bred to work for us as herders, hunters and guarders. Even though we rarely require dogs to perform these jobs these days, many breeds still retain the instinct and desire to work, especially working dog breeds. Ensure your dog is receiving adequate mental stimulation and physical exercise each day. Daily training sessions utilising positive reinforcement, sniff walks and feeding meals in puzzle toys promote problem solving and help keep dogs occupied. By reducing boredom you reduce the likelihood of barking.

Remember, some barking is normal and all dogs should be allowed to engage in the behaviour.

However when it becomes excessive you can implement these tips to help reduce excessive barking in your dog.

 

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