Why is my dog barking so much?

It's perfectly normal for dogs to bark from time to time. However, continual barking for long periods of time is a sign that your dog has a problem that needs to be addressed. Excessive barking can result in neighborhood disputes and violations of animal control ordinances.

The first thing you need to do is determine when and for how long your dog barks, and what's causing him to bark. The following is a list and of possible causes, with corresponding suggestions.

Social Isolation/Frustration/Attention-Seeking

Your dog may be barking because he's bored and lonely if:

He's left alone for long periods of time without opportunities for interaction with you.
 
His environment is relatively barren, without playmates or toys.
 
He's a puppy or adolescent (under three years old) and doesn't have other outlets for his energy.
 
He's a particularly active type of dog (like the herding or sporting breeds) who needs a "job" to be happy.
 
Suggestions:

Expand your dog's world and increase his "people time" in the following ways:

Walk your dog daily - it's good exercise for both of you.
 
Practice the new commands you’ve learned with us every day for five to 10 minutes. Training is both mentally and physically exhausting.
 
Provide interesting toys to keep your dog busy when you're not home  Rotating the toys makes them seem new and exciting.
 
If your dog is barking to get your attention, make sure he has sufficient time with you on a daily basis (training exercising, petting, grooming, playing) so he doesn't have to act up to get your attention.
 
Keep your dog inside when you're unable to supervise him.
 
When you have to leave your dog for extended periods of time, take him to a "doggie day care" or have a friend or neighbor walk and/or play with him.
Let your neighbors know that you're actively working on the problem.
 
Territorial/Protective Behavior

Your dog may be barking to guard his territory if:

The barking occurs in the presence of "intruders," which may include the mail carrier, children walking to school and other dogs or neighbors in adjacent yards.
 
Your dog's posture while he's barking appears threatening -- tail held high and ears up and forward.
 
You've encouraged your dog to be responsive to people and noises outside.
 

Suggestions:

Teach your dog a "quiet" command. When he begins to bark at a passer-by, allow two or three barks, then say "quiet" and interrupt his barking by shaking a can filled with pennies. This will cause him to stop barking momentarily. While he's quiet, say "good quiet" then give him a treat.
 
Desensitize your dog to the stimulus that triggers the barking.  Expose him to new people and other dogs as often as possible.
 
If your dog barks while inside the house when you're home, call him to you, have him obey a command, such as "sit" or "down," and reward him with praise and a treat.
 
 

Fears And Phobias

Your dog's barking may be a response to something he's afraid of if:

Your dog is still a puppy.
 
The barking occurs when he's exposed to loud noises, such as thunderstorms firecrackers or construction equipment.
 
Your dog's posture indicates fear -- ears back, tail held low.
 

Suggestions:

Identify what's frightening your dog and desensitize him to it
 
Mute noise from outside by leaving your television, radio or loud fan on.
 

Separation Anxiety

Your dog may be barking due to separation anxiety if:

The barking occurs only when you're gone and starts as soon as, or shortly after, you leave.
 
Your dog displays other behaviors that reflect a strong attachment to you, such as following you from room to room, frantic greetings or reacting anxiously to your preparations to leave.
 
Your dog has recently experienced: a change in the family's schedule that results in his being left alone more often; a move to a new house; the death or loss of a family member or another family pet; or a period at an animal shelter or boarding kennel.
 

Suggestions:

Separation anxiety can be resolved using counter-conditioning and desensitization techniques.