Dog Barking Problems Solved

Dog Barking Problems and their Solutions: Summary

  1. Dog barking is a normal behaviour but unwanted in many neighbourhoods.
  2. Management of canine barking is important. Relocate your dog to a different area of your home and use calming strategies.
  3. Long term solutions involve training your dog to remain quiet, while satisfying all their needs.

Why dogs bark

Dog Barking Problems are the most commonly reported problems in our neighbourhoods. Living with or next to a barking dog can be very difficult. It helps to understand the reasons why your dog is barking and then you can put some relevant solutions in place.

Does your dog bark too much?

You may have a problem with barking if your dog does any of the following:

  • Barks when left alone
  • Barks when people enter or pass by your property
  • When neighbourhood disturbances occur, your dog barks
  • Barks when going for walks, car trips or when playing in the park
  • Barks when he or she wants your attention

Causes of the dog barking problem

Dogs bark for many reasons including:

  • Boredom
  • Anxiety
  • Disturbances
  • Excitement
  • Pain or discomfort
  • Attention-seeking

Work out why your dog barks to help find a workable solution to the dog barking problem.

barking dog problem
barking dog problemKeeping dogs quiet is our aim with the barking dog problem

Management of the dog barking problem

These may not solve the dog barking problem in the long term but they may help quieten your dog…

  • Place your dog in a different location
  • Use quietening sounds and scents

There are many more management techniques for barking dogs.

Dog barking problem solutions

These may keep your dog quiet but you need time and patience…

For example, if your dog may have anxiety, address this with the help of your vet or a behaviourist, then the barking should reduce.


For more information on your dogs barking problem, take a look at Dr Jo Righetti’s ebooks on dog behaviour. These are now available at Amazon.

Dog behaviour ebooks by Dr Jo Righetti

Frequently asked questions about barking dog behaviour

Why does my dog bark at night?

There are often different noises at night time, stimulating your dog, to bark. The quickest way to solve this issue is to relocate your dog to a part of your home where they do not hear the noises. If not, you must train them to be quiet when they hear the noise.

Why does my dog bark at me?

Most dogs bark at their owners to get attention. Give your dog attention when they are quiet.

Why does my dog bark at strangers?

If strangers are coming on to your property, then your dog is likely territorial. If your dog barks elsewhere, then he may have some fear or anxiety and needs to be desensitised. Get some professional help.


About the author: Dr Jo Righetti

Dr Jo Righetti is an animal behaviourist, helping people with pets. With a PhD in behaviour, a diploma in counselling and over 20 years experience in business Pet Problems Solved, Dr Jo understand pets and communicates here knowledge in a motivational manner.


More Dog Barking Problem Solutions

Are you Barking Mad? Pawfessionals and Dr Jo team up to offer help for annoying and noisy barking behaviour

Barking is one of the most common problems with dogs. It annoys dog owners. It annoys dog neighbours! To reduce unwanted barking behaviour, it is important to understand the reason that your dog is barking and address this cause.

Dr Jo recently teamed up with Dave Marcellino of The Pawfessionals to do a series of videos explaining pet behaviours. Here is the first in the series, looking at barking behaviour…

The Pawfessionals are available in Sydney locations for dog training.
If you would like more information on barking behaviour, Dr Jo’s Pet Problems Solved website has lots. 

Barking Problems Solved is a digital book written by Dr Jo and covers all the main reasons that dogs bark and how you can solve their problem behaviour. Available at Amazon stores for $4 approx. More info here.

P.S. If you listen carefully, you will hear Chilli dog in the background, not barking, but playing with her toys!


Teaching your dog to speak

How about asking your dog to bark?

It may seem counter-productive ask your dog to be noisy (when you really want them to shut up!) it can help to get your dog’s noisy behaviour under control.

Train your dog to speak on command and then you can train them to be quiet too. Eventually, with lots of practice – and rewards – when you need your dog to be quiet, they will follow your command.

This does take time and patience and a lot of motivation for your dog, so arm yourself with their favourite motivators.

Here’s how I taught Chilli dog to speakā€¦

More dog behaviour articles

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