It is important to manage your dog's barking. Dogs can become nuisance barkers if they are not trained. Uncontrolled barking can cause stress and disturbance for you and your neighbours.
Dogs may bark because they:
If your dog barks at everything that moves, use short, firm words to stop the behaviour.
Be consistent, your dog will learn what is expected. Praise your dog as soon as it stops barking.
Do not console a barking dog. This will reward or reinforce barking.
Barking is part of normal puppy development, but consistent training helps prevent nuisance barking later on.
Training advice on getting your dog to stop barking is available in this guide.
Talk to your vet or an animal behaviour specialist if you are having trouble training your dog not to bark.
Avoid leaving your dog where it can see footpaths or passing people.
Confine your dog to an area of your property where it cannot see or react to movement.
You can use materials such as shade cloth or brush stick fencing to block visual triggers.
Giving your dog something to do prevents boredom and barking at everything it sees.
Your dog may show behavioural problems, like persistent barking, if they feel isolated or rejected from a pack or family.
Dogs can also suffer from anxiety and stress if left alone.
Some possible solutions are:
If you plan to be away for more than 24 hours, arrange suitable dog care or put your dog in a boarding facility.
