You have a puppy who is barking at 6 AM. They start barking at the mere sight of food, other dogs, or even when left alone.
At first, their frequent barking might be adorable and make them seem cute. But it gets obnoxious for you later and then the real question shifts to *How do I make this stop?*
No need to worry if your puppy has the same idea as any other dog. It is perfectly normal for an animal to bark and it is something that is instinctive to it. While we can’t eliminate the barking, we can control the volumes at which it is acceptable.
The next step is to understand why your dog barks and how to help it communicate in ways you would prefer it to.
Why Do Puppies Bark So Much?
Puppies express their feelings through and barking is one of those methods. Since they can’t verbally talk, it gets replaced with whining and body movements. Here is an extensive list of causes behind a puppy barking:
1️⃣ Attention Seeking
It's no surprise that a puppy will try to bark because that is the quickest way for them to receive any form of attention from you.
For whatever purpose, barking proves effective in ensuring that the dog receives attention from you, be it for food, cuddles, or playtime.
Example:You might be resting on the couch glued to the TV when all of a sudden your cute little pup starts barking while looking directly at you. You give a confused look and ask, *“What is it?”* and just like that, your puppy receives the reward they were looking for: your full attention!
2️⃣ Excitement and Playfulness
Many puppies will bark out of excitement, especially when it comes to play after a long day. If your furry friend barks while he is running around with their toys or if he barks at the sight of you after a long day's work, well, that is simply their joyful expression.
3️⃣ Fear or Alarm Barking
Just like humans, dogs guard their territory and will do everything to protect their own. Most puppies will bark when they hear an unusual sound, a stranger approaching or strange events happening around them. This kind of barking is particular to many breeds that are more suspicious in nature.
4️⃣ Boredom and Loneliness
Boredom leads is one major cause of ill behavior such as barking. If a puppy is not physically or mentally stimulated, the dog might just start barking to keep him entertained.
5️⃣ Separation Anxiety
Some dogs experience fear and feel abandoned when left alone hence barking is a way to address their anxiety. For instance, if your pup begins howling and barking the minute you leave, he or she is likely to experience separation anxiety.
How to Teach Your Puppy Better Ways to Communicate
Now that we have the appropriate reasoning as to why puppies bark, let’s delve into how to manage those barks. The crux of the matter lies in instructing them in alternative methods to aid in their communication beyond relying on incessant barking.
1️⃣ Ignore Attention-Seeking Barking
If your puppy is usually barking just to get noticed, don’t react to their incessant barking and give them attention. Responding to their barking will train them to believe barking is an effective method to gain attention.
Rather wait until they become quiet before giving them any form of attention.
✔ Try rewarding them when they communicate without barking, such as sitting next to you.
✔ You can also use the command “quiet” or “enough” but only reward after they attain the desired command.
2️⃣ Teach the “Quiet” Command”
✔ Let your puppy bark a few times then say “quiet” in a firm yet calm voice.
✔ After you say “quiet”, wait to see if they will stop barking. Once they do, praise them and give them a treat.
✔ After, repeat this until they comprehend the fact that being quiet leads them to receiving treats.
3️⃣ Give Them a Job
Some puppies do tend to bark due to the excess energy they have, you can help them by channeling their energy into puzzle toys, interactive games, and channelling obedience training.
✔ Mealtime can also be made fun and exciting by the use of treating dispensing toys or slow feeder bowls.
✔ Get them ready to accomplish mini chores, such as fetching their leash prior to going out for a walk.
4️⃣ Socialize and Desensitize
Your puppy may have more concerning socialization challenges if they bark at strangers, loud bangs, or other dogs.
✔ Let them gradually interact with new people, sounds, and places.
✔ Provide treats and praise for staying calm.
✔ Try not to overload them—new experiences should be met with gradual introduction.
5️⃣ Manage Separation Anxiety
If your puppy tends to excessively bark when they are alone, do the following.
✔ Expose them to short absences at first then build the extent of absence towards them.
✔ Give them a comfort item, like something that smells like you.
✔ Avoid anxiety by making goodbyes and greetings low-key.
✔ Use calming music or noise from a dog safe TV channel for background distraction.
6️⃣ Redirect Barking with Training
Instead of letting them continue barking, distract them by getting them to follow a different behavioral command.
✔ Instead of barking, teach them to sit or lie down.
✔ Use the barking triggers and distraction toys to avoid provoking the puppy.
✔ Encourage them to obey by giving rewards for lasting fun sessions.
What NOT to Do
❌ Do not yell at your puppy
You yelling at your puppy does not stop any barking in fact makes it worse! All puppies tend to see this as though you are barking with them or worse get frightened of you.
❌Avoid Using Punishment Approaches
Don’t use shock collars or give stern corrections.They don't teach proper ways of behaving.
Instead, give positive reinforcement to help train your puppy.
❌Don’t Reward Unwanted Barking
If your puppy barks out of hunger or to play and you immediately satisfy them, they will easily learn that barking is equivalent to them being rewarded. Instead, Wait for calm behavior before giving treats.
When to Ask For Assistance
If your puppy is barking a lot and is not able to improve after some time, you will need to see a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for assistance. Some dogs are in need of more advanced training, especially when the cause of the barking is because of anxiety or phobia.
Final Thoughts: They Do Not Only Bark to Talk
Barking is normal, but as owners of pets, we just like morsels to teach the puppies in their care to control their modes of communication. Given the time, steady resolve, and prizes for positive behavior they will come to understand that there is more than one way to express their needs besides barking.
🐶 Clearly set rules from beginning.
🐶 Give rewards for calm and quiet attitude.
🐶 Make sure that there’s enough stimulation both mentally and physically.
🐶 Implement measures to prohibit the barking.
With some work and wholesome effort, your puppy will learn when to bark and when not to bark.
So now, you both have a happier, relaxful home. 🐾💛