Why do dogs bark? Find out what causes dogs to bark all the time.
Our dogs’ ancestors, wolves, never communicated with each other through barking. Instead, they used facial expressions, body posture, growls, and howls as their primary means of communication. The frequent barking of today’s domesticated dogs is based on the fact that we humans often fail to perceive or misinterpret the dogs’ initial forms of communication. Consequently, our clever dogs have adapted their communication to us. When dogs bark, they usually receive attention from people, hoping their needs will be recognized.
Today, some dogs are more communicative than others and bark more. However, if a dog barks constantly and is difficult to calm, it is important to examine the reasons more closely. Constant barking is not only extremely annoying to the environment but also means ongoing stress for the dog.
Several possible reasons dogs bark constantly:
- Uncertainty about other dogs, unfamiliar people, or situations
- Fear of certain situations
- Low frustration threshold
- Territorial barking
- Loss of control (especially pronounced in herding dogs)
- From joy
- From excitement
- From boredom when not physically and/or mentally stimulated
- Requesting specific actions like play, petting, feeding, etc.
- In rare cases, from pain
Barking in young and older dogs
Even in younger dogs or puppies, barking can be territorial. However, it is also typical for young dogs to bark to attract attention or express fear. If there is no serious reason for the barking, try to stop it with a firm but not too unfriendly “No” or “Enough.” At the same time, use a specific hand signal just for that purpose. This can be very useful later on. For example, when you are on the phone or at a meeting and your dog is barking or about to start barking, and you do not want or cannot interrupt the conversation with a “No.” Of course, what is not advisable is to cover your dog’s or puppy’s muzzle. Such actions only destroy the trust between the dog and its owner.