Dog Barking

2. Separation Anxiety Barking

Many dogs bark excessively when left alone due to anxiety or stress, often howling for hours.

Problem: This can lead to complaints from neighbours, council notices, or even strained relationships with landlords.

Separation Anxiety: “You leave. I scream. That’s our thing.”

Max Says:
"Try being alone with your thoughts for once. It’s character-building."

Fix It:

Create a goodbye routine that’s boring (no emotional farewells). Try puzzle toys, a comfort item, or even white noise when you leave. Gradual departure training can work wonders. In severe cases, consider a dog behaviourist.

3. Barking at Other Dogs

Whether it’s on walks, in the car, or through the fence at home, some dogs lose their minds at the sight or sound of another dog.

Problem: This creates tension and makes it difficult to walk your dog peacefully or enjoy time at dog parks.

Barking at Other Dogs: “You barkin’ at me, mate?”

Max Says:
"I’m tough. But not stupid. Learn some manners, will ya?"

Fix It:
Work on “look at me” commands to redirect focus. Reward calm passes. Start at a distance from other dogs and slowly close the gap as your pup gets better. Consistent exposure and control is key.

4. Territorial or Protective Barking

Dogs may bark at anything that approaches their "territory"—people, bikes, birds, or even blowing leaves.

Problem: This kind of barking can be relentless, especially in a busy neighbourhood, and it's hard to control once it becomes habitual.

Territorial Barking: “That’s my street. That’s my tree. That’s my cloud.”

Max Says:
"Calm down, you don’t even own the grass."

Fix It:
Limit visual access to high-traffic zones. Block window views or use baby gates. Reward your dog for staying quiet when someone walks by. Teach a strong “place” command—so they go to a spot and chill.

5. Boredom or Lack of Stimulation

Dogs that don’t get enough mental or physical exercise often bark out of sheer boredom.

Problem: Owners may not realise that barking is their dog’s way of saying, “I’m bored!”—and that it won’t stop without more enrichment.

Boredom Barking: “Nothing to do but scream at the wind.”

Max Says:
"If I had thumbs, I’d be solving crossword puzzles. Get a hobby."

Fix It:
Exercise, exercise, exercise. A tired dog is a quiet dog. Add puzzle toys, sniff walks, fetch, agility play—anything that gets their brain and body working.

6. Attention-Seeking Barking

Some dogs learn that barking gets them attention—whether it’s food, affection, or even a scolding.

Problem: It creates a vicious cycle where barking is rewarded, and owners struggle to “untrain” the behaviour.

Attention-Seeking: “Watch me. Look at me. Talk to me. Feed me. Or I’ll yell.”

Max Says:
"Don’t reward the drama. It’s not the Oscars."

Fix It:
Ignore the barking. Don’t yell—it’s still attention. Wait for silence, then give praise or a treat. Teach alternative ways to ask for things, like sitting politely or pressing a bell.

7. Fear-Based Barking

Loud noises (like thunder, fireworks, or vacuum cleaners) can trigger barking due to fear or stress.

Problem: Owners feel helpless watching their dog suffer, and noise-triggered barking can be intense and hard to predict.

Fear Barking: “Fireworks! Thunder! The Vacuum! The End is Nigh!”

Max Says:
"I don’t like loud noises either. But I don’t scream every time the fridge clicks."

Fix It:
Create a safe den (blanket over crate, dark room), use calming music or white noise, and comfort your dog calmly—don’t coddle. Desensitisation with controlled exposure to the sound can help, or speak to your vet about anxiety support.

8. Health-Related Barking

Older dogs or those with cognitive decline may bark excessively due to confusion, hearing loss, or discomfort.

Problem: Owners often mistake this for behavioural disobedience rather than a medical issue, leading to frustration and delayed treatment.

Health-Related Barking: “I’m not barking—I’m confused!”

Max Says:
"Old dogs bark for reasons, not just because we’ve gone loopy."

Fix It:
Visit your vet to rule out pain, cognitive dysfunction, or hearing loss. Special diets, medications, or routines can help older dogs settle down.

9. Unpredictable or Reactive Barking

Some dogs bark unexpectedly or overreact to minor stimuli (like doorbells or sudden movements), especially if they're poorly socialised.

Problem: It erodes the owner’s confidence and creates an unpredictable, stressful environment for everyone.

Reactive Barking: “Doorbell rang—time to LOSE IT.”

Max Says:
"Everyone’s got a trigger. Yours is the doorbell. Mine is slippers with socks."

Fix It:
Re-train the reaction: When the bell rings, teach your dog to go to their bed instead. Practice with mock visitors and reward the right response. Eventually, the bell = treat, not panic.

10. Legal and Neighbour Complaints

Excessive barking often leads to noise complaints, fines, or even legal notices from councils or body corporates.

Problem: This puts significant pressure on owners, especially renters or those in apartments or shared housing.

Neighbour and Council Complaints: “If you won’t stop barking, they will.”

Max Says:
"One more complaint and you’re getting written up by Karen from across the fence."

Fix It:
Track the barking with a dog camera or sound monitor. Address the root cause (anxiety, boredom, alertness). Use anti-bark devices only as a backup—not as punishment. Communicate with your neighbours and let them know you’re working on it.