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Woof! Your dog won’t stop barking, but you can’t see or hear what’s bothering them. Could your furry friend be chatting with a ghost, or is there a more scientific explanation for what’s going on? Not to worry—we’re here to help you decode why exactly your dog is barking at nothing, and how you can get them to pipe down. With a little detective work, both you and your dog can enjoy a little more peace and quiet.
Things You Should Know
- Dogs don’t actually bark at nothing—they’re most likely barking at something that you can’t hear or smell.
- There can be many different reasons for barking, including fear, boredom, or separation anxiety. If you can learn the triggers that lead to the barking, this will help inform you of the reason for the behavior.
- Dogs also bark randomly when they’re seeking attention, feeling bored, dealing with separation anxiety, or experiencing pain.
- Soothing sounds, pheromones, and targeted training techniques are all possible ways to stop your dog’s random barking.
- Avoid silencing your dog with shouts, bark or shock collars, and/or soft muzzles.
Steps
How Do You Get Your Dog To Stop Barking?
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Tips
- Cover up your windows with plastic film or a spray-on glass coating . This makes it harder for your dog to spot (and be triggered by) passing cars, dogs, and neighbors. [25] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to sourceThanks
- Check and see if your dog is blocked off in a certain room, or if one of their favorite toys is just out of reach. They might bark randomly as a way to express their frustration and annoyance at the situation. [26] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to sourceThanks
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about pet training, check out our in-depth interview with Brad Greene .
References
- ↑ https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/dogs-sense-of-smell/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/sounds-only-dogs-can-hear/
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/barking
- ↑ https://anticruelty.org/pet-library/improper-attention-seeking-dogs
- ↑ https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/how-to-stop-a-dog-from-barking
- ↑ https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/separation-anxiety-dogs
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/barking
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/canine-communication-deciphering-different-dog-sounds/
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/barking
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/learn-speak-dog-meaning-dogs-barks/
- ↑ https://www.ccspca.com/blog-spca/education/how-to-get-your-dog-to-stop-barking/
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/barking-in-dogs
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/anxiety-vests-for-dogs
- ↑ https://anticruelty.org/pet-library/excessive-barking-whining-and-crying
- ↑ https://anticruelty.org/pet-library/excessive-barking-whining-and-crying
- ↑ https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/how-to-stop-a-dog-from-barking
- ↑ https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/how-to-stop-a-dog-from-barking
- ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/how-much-exercise-does-your-dog-need
- ↑ https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/home-alone-separation-anxiety-in-dogs
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/signs-that-your-dog-is-in-pain/
- ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-get-your-dog-stop-barking
- ↑ https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/how-to-stop-a-dog-from-barking
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/barking
- ↑ https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/news/hes-good-dog-truth-behind-dogs-muzzles
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/barking
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/barking
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