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What Is Excessive Barking – and What Is Normal?
Friends of the dog
Friends of the dog
Most of us have, at some point, experienced excessive barking—whether from a neighbour’s dog or even our own—and felt like it might drive us crazy. But what exactly is normal barking? When does it become excessive? And why does excessive barking happen in the first place?
It’s important to remember that barking is how dogs communicate. Just like some people are naturally more talkative, some dogs are simply more vocal than others. Telling a dog off for barking is much like telling a child they’re not allowed to speak when they’re excited, confused, or afraid—it’s not fair, and it doesn’t help them feel heard or safe.
Expecting a dog never to bark is unrealistic. Barking is a normal, healthy form of expression. However, when barking becomes excessive, it may be a sign that the dog needs help—not punishment. Just like with people, extreme behaviours are usually a cry for support, not something to be shut down.
In these situations, what dogs really need is empathy, understanding, and appropriate intervention—not scolding or suppression.
What Is Considered Normal Barking?
Barking is completely natural behaviour in dogs. Some breeds are simply more prone to vocalizing than others. The key is to recognize when barking is part of typical dog behaviour—and when it's starting to cross the line.
Here are some examples of normal barking (note: in all cases, behaviour modification can be used to reduce barking):
When Is Barking Considered Excessive?
Barking is considered excessive in the following situations:
Common Causes of Excessive Barking
Dogs rarely bark excessively just to be annoying. There’s usually an underlying reason—or several—and these need to be addressed to find a lasting solution.
Understanding the root cause can help you better manage the issue, whether it's your own dog or a neighbour’s. Some common reasons include:
What Not to Do When Dealing with Excessive Barking
Debarking: Why It’s Not the Answer
We’ve seen many owners resort to debarking, often without first trying positive reinforcement-based behaviour modification.
While debarked dogs make quieter, raspy sounds, the underlying issues remain unresolved and the dog can still make a noise. The result? A frustrated, stressed dog that still wants to bark but can't express itself properly.
Debarking is, in our view, inhumane, and comes with potential medical risks. Addressing the root cause is always the better, kinder, and more effective solution.
So What Can You Do?
Here are some simple but effective steps:
If It’s Not Your Dog: Handling a Barking Neighbour’s Dog
If you believe that a neighbour’s dog is barking excessively, it can be disruptive—but it’s important to handle the situation calmly and appropriately.
Here are some guidelines on how to approach these situations:
Excessive barking can be frustrating—but it’s almost always manageable. Whether it’s your own dog or a neighbour’s, understanding the why behind the barking is the first step.
With patience, kindness, and a positive approach, you can make life more peaceful for both people and pups.
It’s important to remember that barking is how dogs communicate. Just like some people are naturally more talkative, some dogs are simply more vocal than others. Telling a dog off for barking is much like telling a child they’re not allowed to speak when they’re excited, confused, or afraid—it’s not fair, and it doesn’t help them feel heard or safe.
Expecting a dog never to bark is unrealistic. Barking is a normal, healthy form of expression. However, when barking becomes excessive, it may be a sign that the dog needs help—not punishment. Just like with people, extreme behaviours are usually a cry for support, not something to be shut down.
In these situations, what dogs really need is empathy, understanding, and appropriate intervention—not scolding or suppression.
What Is Considered Normal Barking?
Barking is completely natural behaviour in dogs. Some breeds are simply more prone to vocalizing than others. The key is to recognize when barking is part of typical dog behaviour—and when it's starting to cross the line.
Here are some examples of normal barking (note: in all cases, behaviour modification can be used to reduce barking):
- Excitement: When a ball is brought out for a game, the dog hears the owner's car in the driveway, or the owner approaches the front door. Many dogs will bark, whine, and show high levels of excitement in these situations. However, once the owner greets the dog, the barking should subside.
- Visitors or delivery people: Barking when someone rings the doorbell or knocks is quite common.
- Playtime with other dogs: Increased excitement during play often leads to barking.
- Noise sensitivity: Barking at thunder, lightning, or fireworks is relatively normal. However, this may indicate early signs of fear, and steps should be taken to help the dog cope.
- Boredom or loneliness: Dogs that are left alone for long periods may bark out of boredom—this can often escalate into excessive barking.
- Territorial behaviour: Some dogs bark at passersby, other dogs near the gate, or neighbours dogs. Other dogs may bark at the dog or noise it hears from the neighbouring property.
- Meal preparation: Some dogs bark with excitement when they see their food being prepared. This too can be improved with the right training.
When Is Barking Considered Excessive?
Barking is considered excessive in the following situations:
- Constant barking for long periods, day or night, with no obvious trigger.
- Frequent, intermittent barking over extended periods, or sustained barking for more than a minute or two.
- Barking early in the morning or late at night for prolonged periods, disturbing others
Common Causes of Excessive Barking
Dogs rarely bark excessively just to be annoying. There’s usually an underlying reason—or several—and these need to be addressed to find a lasting solution.
Understanding the root cause can help you better manage the issue, whether it's your own dog or a neighbour’s. Some common reasons include:
- Loneliness: Dogs left alone in the yard while owners are at work are especially prone to excessive barking.
- Lack of social interaction: Both with humans and other dogs.
- Boredom and frustration: Dogs need mental stimulation. A life with no games, no walks, and no challenges is dull—and barking fills the void.
- Excitement: Trying to chase the neighbour’s dog, a squirrel, or birds in trees can trigger repeated barking.
- Guarding behaviour: Some dogs bark to alert you of a perceived threat—even when there isn’t one.
- Reinforcement from owners: Shouting at or punishing a barking dog often makes things worse. From the dog’s perspective, you're “joining in” or giving them attention—even if it's negative – to a dog, attention is attention, even if it is negative.
- Pain: Barking can sometimes be a cry for help. If barking is new or unusual, it could indicate pain or a medical issue.
- Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD): Similar to dementia in humans, CCD can lead to disorientation, increased anxiety, disrupted sleep, and excessive barking.
What Not to Do When Dealing with Excessive Barking
- Don’t shout or punish the dog. This may reinforce the unwanted behaviour by providing attention.
- Never resort to debarking surgery.
- Avoid getting another dog hoping it will solve the problem—often, you just end up with two barking dogs.
Debarking: Why It’s Not the Answer
We’ve seen many owners resort to debarking, often without first trying positive reinforcement-based behaviour modification.
While debarked dogs make quieter, raspy sounds, the underlying issues remain unresolved and the dog can still make a noise. The result? A frustrated, stressed dog that still wants to bark but can't express itself properly.
Debarking is, in our view, inhumane, and comes with potential medical risks. Addressing the root cause is always the better, kinder, and more effective solution.
So What Can You Do?
Here are some simple but effective steps:
- Provide sufficient social interaction: Spend time with your dog. If they’re kept outside, make sure they still get meaningful interaction and playtime.
- Ensure daily exercise: Even 10–15 minutes of walking and sniffing outside the property can make a world of difference.
- Offer mental stimulation: Use stuffed chew toys, puzzle toys, scent trails, or food-dispensing games. (See the article below for ideas.)
- Create a digging pit: Replenish it daily to give your dog something productive to do.
- Employ the services of a qualified dog behaviourist: A professional can assess the situation and give you personalized strategies to change the behaviour.
If It’s Not Your Dog: Handling a Barking Neighbour’s Dog
If you believe that a neighbour’s dog is barking excessively, it can be disruptive—but it’s important to handle the situation calmly and appropriately.
Here are some guidelines on how to approach these situations:
- Approach your neighbour first: Politely let them know about the barking. They may be unaware, especially if it happens when they’re not home. A non-confrontational conversation often leads to a resolution.
- Do not shout at or scold the dog: This may escalate the behaviour or cause distress. From the dog’s perspective, you’re adding more noise and tension. Be a part of a solution instead of inadvertently contributing to the problem.
- Do not allow children to bark at or tease the dog: This can reinforce the barking or provoke defensive behaviour.
- Know the Legal Process
- The SPCA is not responsible for handling barking complaints unless there's clear evidence of neglect or cruelty.
- Noise complaints fall under local municipal bylaws. If you’re unable to resolve the matter with your neighbour, you can lodge a formal complaint with your local municipality or metro police.
- In many cases, the authorities will request a noise diary or written statement detailing when and how often the barking occurs.
Excessive barking can be frustrating—but it’s almost always manageable. Whether it’s your own dog or a neighbour’s, understanding the why behind the barking is the first step.
With patience, kindness, and a positive approach, you can make life more peaceful for both people and pups.
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