How To Stop Dog Barking At Nothing – There are many theories about this mysterious dog behavior. Some think it’s just a means of attracting attention, while others go so far as to say that dogs have a sixth sense for the supernatural.
Although there is no conclusive evidence that dogs bark at ghosts, it is clear that barking means something. Our Scots have learned to communicate this way and it is up to us to interpret it and act accordingly.
How To Stop Dog Barking At Nothing
Let’s discuss how dogs interpret the world differently than humans and why they bark…or so you think!
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Human ears perceive frequencies between 20-20,000 Hz. Hertz is the frequency of sound vibrations per second. This means that our ears can detect lower frequencies than dogs, although some believe that giant dog breeds can hear them.
Dogs’ ears can detect frequencies between 40-60,000 Hz. Their ears can turn to pinpoint the exact location of a sound, but ours cannot. Dogs can hear the faint squeak of a mouse underground or the bark of a dog in the distance.
So, when we think our dogs are barking at nothing, they are actually barking at something – we just can’t hear it!
Humans have 5-6 million olfactory receptors, while dogs have 220 million. Not only does it smell like oven-baked pizza, but pepperoni, onions, cheese, sauce, and the crispiness of the crust. There is evidence that dogs can smell their person from 11 miles away!
Stop That Barking!
Dogs’ sense of smell is so acute that they are used to sniff out drugs, bombs, detect blood sugar levels in humans, seizures and even cancer. A dog’s brain uses 40% more space to detect smells than a human brain. There is great dedication to smell!
With so much going on with dogs’ senses, it’s no wonder they bark at things we can’t see, hear or smell.
Whether it’s a truck moving down the road or a distant dog barking, your dog will usually respond by barking.
There are usually two reasons why your dog barks at other dogs or animals: to create distance and to secure their territory or reduce the distance to socialize.
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Barking increases the distance your dog perceives as his territory. Therefore, they always bark at wild animals like squirrels, birds or rabbits. If your dog is social, he may bark to draw the animal closer. Tip: By socializing your dog at an early age, you can prevent aggressive, territorial behavior.
We all have that one dog in our neighborhood that barks non-stop. Can it be lonely? The answer is yes! Dogs bark when they are lonely or seeking attention. If your dog makes perfect eye contact with you while barking, he is asking for your attention.
Dogs are pack animals, so in a dog house, you pack them. If they are alone, they will bark to close the gap between them and you. If barking doesn’t do the trick, they may turn to destructive behaviors like chewing the couch, urinating or defecating in the house or walking around.
Tip: If you work a lot or are away from your dog for long periods of time, separation anxiety can be a challenge for your dog. Talk to your vet or animal behaviorist to learn how to calm your puppy’s nerves.
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A dog in pain may exhibit excessive barking. Your dog may be distressed and trying to let you know, especially if you are not in his immediate vicinity. Dogs in pain often wander aimlessly or move around the house for unexplained reasons.
Older dogs run aimlessly and bark constantly if disoriented. A visit to your veterinarian may help you find a solution to this barking behavior.
A fearful dog barks to create distance from a perceived threat. You can spot a fearful dog by their body language. The ears go back between the legs with the tail.
Most barking problems can be easily solved with dog behavior training, either by yourself or with a dog trainer. Once you know the cause of your dog’s barking, it is very easy to reduce it.
Tips To Get Your Dog To Stop Barking
Pet Tip: Every responsible pet owner should take pet insurance seriously. How pet insurance works and what pet insurance covers will help you make an informed decision about your pet’s health needs and plan your finances accordingly!
We now know that barking is a form of communication that needs to be decoded. Here are some ways to better understand and reduce excessive barking. If in doubt, see your vet or call your local dog trainer.
First, rule out any medical or compulsive barking problems your dog may be suffering from. This is common in dogs with separation anxiety. If you’re confused about what your dog is barking about, the best place to start is to visit your veterinarian or licensed animal behaviorist.
What kind of bark does your dog give? For example, there is a difference between your dog’s excited barking when you come home and his territorial barking when he sees another dog coming down the street. This will help you understand in which social situations they need the most training.
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If there’s no obvious reason for your dog’s barking, remember that we humans can’t hear beyond walls and doors, but our dogs can. When your dog barks, look around for animals, people, or things you don’t pick up.
More exercise and mental stimulation will relieve your dog of any pent-up energy that can cause boredom and barking. Going for a walk or playing with toys can be a solution to your dog’s barking habit. Remember: A tired dog is a calm dog.
Playing white noise can help your dog’s sensitive ears reduce outside noise. White noise drowns out small sounds, so your dog can rest in peace.
Pheromone diffusers can help dogs that are afraid of new smells and sounds, causing them to bark at everything. Adding a pheromone diffuser to your home will relax them as it is filled with positive dog pheromones.
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Bark collars are not effective and can cause more harm than good. Citronella collars spray citronella in front of your dog’s face. They don’t like the smell or the spray, but quickly learn to empty the can and let them bark freely again.
Shock collars are not painful, but can injure your dog’s neck when used incorrectly. They can also cause aggressive behavior. Stay away from this!
While basket muzzles are great for helping a dog’s reflexive behavior (and are actually encouraged by vets and trainers), block muzzles should be avoided. This type of muzzle prevents dogs from breathing properly and causing cold breathing. Muzzles are intended for short-term use
Although the impulse to yell when our dogs bark is tempting, it is not effective. All we’re really doing is barking at them back, which gives the perception that we’re joining in on the fun. Learn to give your dog calm control and immediately reward success. Soon your dog will figure it out.
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You may think your dog is barking at nothing, but as we now know, this probably isn’t the case. A distant sound or smell, boredom, attention-seeking or warning barking, all have a reason for their barking. Decode the bark and you can solve your dog’s barking problem.
Excessive barking can be a sign of anxiety or aggression, which can upset both you and your dog. That’s why dog insurance plans help cover behavioral issues, so you don’t have to think twice about saying “yes” to good care.
* Pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. Waiting periods, annual deductibles, coinsurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For full terms, visit/insurance policy.
Products, discounts and prices may vary and are subject to change. Insurance Services Inc. (NPN#19084749) is a licensed insurance carrier, not an insurer. Insurance is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company (NAIC #21113. Morristown, NJ), Crum & Forster Company. It is compensated on the basis of premiums for the policies it sells. For more information visit / insurance-info and
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Lynn is an author and longtime director of learning and development for a leading PNW retailer. She is also a mother to 3 dogs and 2 cats! Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share on Reddit Share on Flipboard Share via Email Comments
Barking is one of the ways dogs communicate and can sometimes save lives, as it warns others of danger, and their owners. But excessive barking can be distracting.
Each type of barking serves a different purpose for dogs, says the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
“Many owners can tell why their dog is barking by listening for specific barks. For example, a dog’s barking is different when it wants to play than when it wants to play.