Why Do Dogs Bark All the Time?

If you’re wondering, “why do dogs bark all the time?” you’re not alone. I’m curious about the same thing!

I’m not a barker. In fact, I’m not even sure that I know how to bark.

That doesn’t mean I don’t know some great dogs who love to bark. But why do dogs bark all the time? I don’t get it. I’ve been told by some dogs that barking is very important in the case of an emergency. What constitutes an “emergency” to my dog friends can vary wildly. One dog thinks an emergency consists of someone knocking at the door, while another dog thinks an emergency is when you run out of treats. Personally, I think an emergency is when your house is on fire or there’s an intruder inside of your home. But what would I know?

The bottom line is that dogs bark for many reasons. Some dogs are a lot more vocal than other dogs. If you find that your dog is barking an extreme amount, you may want to invest in some behavioral training, but let’s be honest, it’s tough for dogs to not to bark.

Here are some ways I can answer, “Why do dogs bark all the time?”

Getting Startled

Just like humans don’t like to be surprised, neither do dogs! If you startle a dog, it’s likely he will begin to bark. This is usually because he is afraid or concerned for his surroundings.

Fear

A fearful dog is likely to bark to show aggression and hide his fear. In fact, the barking can be consistent and seem as if it won’t end. It’s good to identify what your dog is fearful of and try to alleviate the situation. Do certain people trigger your dog? If so, attempt to introduce them slowly. At first, no contact needs to be made – simply let your dog smell the area around the person. Eventually, build up to allowing your dog and the person to come in contact. It might be good to keep treats around for this. It isn’t always possible to lessen your dog’s fear, but you should always redirect him to stop barking.

Attention Seeking

Some dogs bark excessively so that they can get the attention of their owner or other humans and animals. If you notice this habit beginning in your dog, try to pay attention to what triggers your pet. Does he need to go outside and relieve himself? Is he trying to get a treat or waiting for dinner? Does your dog bark in order for you to initiate play time? Once you’re aware of the triggers, it’s likely that you can answer the question, “why do dogs bark all the time,” on your own!

Playful Barking

Some dogs simply enjoy barking. They will do so when playing, especially with a new dog friend. They may even bark as a greeting to you when they return home. Usually this type of barking can be classified as a “happy bark.” It should be easy to identify that your dog is in good spirits. You may also notice your dog’s actions change, such as playful jumping and tail wagging when barking.

Separation Anxiety

Is your dog often left alone? Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety tend to express their anxiety by barking, along with other habits such as relieving themselves in the household, pacing, or destroying household items. Separation anxiety is something that needs to be addressed immediately with your dog. If your dog is barking excessively while you are not home, your neighbors may consider calling the police or animal rescue to report your dog.

Is your dog an excessive barker? What have you done to get your dog to stop barking all the time? Let us know in the comments!

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