Are you tired of hearing your dog bark nonstop? You're not the only one! For owners, barking can be exhausting, but for dogs, it's a happy and natural behavior. Dogs employ barking as one of their most effective forms of communication, whether they're communicating a need, craving attention, or simply responding to their surroundings.
So, are dogs ever sick of barking? The answer isn't as simple.
Barking as a Form of Communication
Dogs bark for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it's an urgent warning, and sometimes it's because they're bored. No matter the purpose, barking usually fills a need. Once that purpose is served, barking typically ceases.
For instance, when a dog barks in the dead of night because it must be taken outside, the barking desists once the owner attends to it. Likewise, when a dog barks for attention, the attention seeking stops once the owner gives the animal its desired attention. But this also strengthens the behavior, so the chances are higher that it will be repeated.
Excessive barking should be addressed through training. When barking becomes an issue, it's possible to train a dog with the help of a professional trainer on when to bark and not to bark. Not responding to barking done for attention and rewarding silence can work to eliminate the behavior.
The Energy Factor
Barking is stressful, and eventually, dogs can physically tire themselves out after a long time. Puppies, in particular, have boundless energy and may bark for a long time before they tire out. As the age of dogs advances, their energy reduces, and the overall barking goes down.
However, just because a dog tires out from barking in the present doesn't mean that he will not again start barking once he rests.
A Self-Perpetuating Habit
Barking is inherently self-rewarding for dogs, meaning that barking is a self-reinforcing action. In other words, barking is enjoyable even without external reinforcement. Similar to behaviors like chasing or chewing, dogs will continue to bark since it is instinctual and satisfying.
Training and treats can divert their attention, but the urge to bark cannot be eliminated. That is why positive reinforcement and good training are necessary at every stage of a dog's life.
Dogs will cease barking if they obtain what they desire, are well trained, or simply wear themselves out. However, they never truly lose the urge to bark. The key to managing excessive barking is early and ongoing training so that larger rewards—such as love or rewards—become more powerful than the enjoyment of barking. By rewarding alternative behaviors, you can reduce your dog's barking without discouraging them from communicating when necessary.
