Barking is our pup’s way of communicating their feelings with us and other canines. Dogs might bark if they’re happy to see you, asking for attention, or feeling bored and want to play.
“Certain breeds tend to bark much more than others,” says Irith Bloom, a USA-based CPDT-KSA certified professional dog trainer, behaviour consultant, and owner of The Sophisticated Dog. Some breeds tend to bark more and may not be a great choice for people who don’t like a lot of barking.
Additionally, Bloom says what’s considered normal vs. excessive depends on who lives with the dogs and where they live.
Below, learn why dogs bark, when barking becomes too much, the different types, and how to stop excessive barking.
Why Do Dogs Bark at People & Other Dogs?
Adrienne Carson, CPDT-KA, CDBC, vice president of behaviour and training at St Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in the USA, says dog barks don’t mean one thing. Like other behaviours, your dog’s body language is key to figuring out why they’re barking. Below are the most common.
1. They’re startled
Did your doorbell ring? Or maybe your dog caught a glimpse of another pup walking outside?
Bloom says dogs can bark when something startles them. This is also referred to as ‘alert barking’, and it is the canine equivalent of saying: “Hey, something’s up!”
2. They’re stressed out
If a dog is stressed while left alone or in pain, they may exhibit what Bloom calls ‘anxious barking’.
Other signs of stress or anxiety in dogs include:
- tail tucking
- whining
- body shakes
- air licking
- resource guarding
3. They’re frustrated
Dogs often bark when frustrated about being unable to reach or have something.
Bloom says this might happen when they see another dog or person but are on a lead or behind a barrier and can’t get to them.
4. They’re trying to drive something away
Bloom says you might see aggressive barking if someone approaches your front door or window.
She explains that aggression comes from your dog being afraid; they bark to try to make what scared them disappear.
5. They’re asking you for food or toys
Dogs are notorious attention hogs (in all the best ways)! Your pup might bark at you if you’re holding their favourite toy (like a slobbery tennis ball) or want food/treats.
Bloom says this is often called ‘demand barking’.
6. They’re excited
Sometimes, dogs may bark out of excitement when playing with other dogs, humans, or with an interactive toy.
“Some of that barking can be communication where one dog is asking another dog to play, a variation of demand barking,” Bloom explains. “Other times, the dog is barking during the actual play because they are so excited and having so much fun, and barking is how they express that excitement.”
Is My Dog Barking Too Much?
Bloom explains that dogs who tend to bark at everything can have various reasons for doing so, while others may use it as a go-to tool to fall back on when they don’t know what else to do.
In situations where a dog excessively barks at one particular thing, Bloom says this could be due to being undersocialised or having had bad experiences with other people or dogs.
Carson recommends calling your vet if your dog is suddenly barking more than usual. She says a sudden shift may indicate a health problem or cognitive changes.
Once they’ve been checked and cleared for any potential health issues that could be causing excessive barking and are still barking more than usual, Bloom recommends consulting a qualified behaviourist.
In the UK, a behaviourist accredited by Animal Behaviour and Training Council or a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist registered with the CCAB is recommended. Behaviourists accredited by these organisations will hold an approved qualification. Vets can also have additional qualifications or specialisms in animal behaviour, and can be found through the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons register. Your regular vet will also be able to recommend a qualified animal behaviourist to work with. And charities including the Dogs Trust offer free behaviour advice lines.
What Are the Types of Dog Barks?
Our experts break down the different kinds of barks and their meanings.
| Type of Bark | What It Means |
| Alarm barking | Carson says dogs bark to alert family to something they think may be dangerous—even if it’s harmless. (eg postal workers) |
| Attention-seeking or demand-barking | This is your dog’s way of getting your attention. They either want to play or would like their favourite toy or treat. |
| Boredom barking | Some dogs may bark solely out of boredom if left alone without some form of enrichment (eg chew toys or food puzzle toys). |
| Fearful or aggressive barking | “Fear is a motivation for barking,” Carson says. She says dogs might bark, chase away something, or back up. |
| Frustration-induced barking | Bloom explains that frustration-induced barks occur when a dog sees a friend they can’t reach. These barks are higher pitched than other barks. |
| Playful barking | Playful barks are common when a dog wants to play or is simply excited, such as when their favourite human arrives home. |
How To Stop Excessive Barking
The best way to stop excessive barking is to watch for potential triggers or patterns that may cause your dog to react that way. This can help you determine what’s causing the incessant behaviour and how you can help your canine companion.
A few ways to stop your dog’s barking include:
- Medications. A vet may prescribe anxiety medications to reduce your pup’s stress barking (and anxiety overall), especially if they have separation anxiety.
- Home remedies. Natural treatments are effective in calming a nervous dog. These methods could include playing calming music, blocking their view, giving them a quiet zone, or removing them from the trigger.
- Behavioural modifications. If your dog barks when they’re bored, Bloom recommends keeping them entertained with food toys, regular exercise, games, and positive training.
