Do you get tired of eating?
Well, it looks like a funny question, but then, if you really think about it, you do, right? You can even get tired of talking. Now when you think of dogs and barking, it may feel like they can never get tired of barking because what else will they even do?
Dogs do get tired of barking. But understanding barking in dogs can be tricky as barking is a self-reinforcing behavior for dogs. This means that the act of barking can make them feel good and want to bark more.
Let us simplify it for you and then provide a solution for excessive barking in dogs, as we are guessing that is the reason you opened your phone and typed in this question on your browser.
Barking is a normal way to communicate and express their feelings. Some dogs, like Beagles or Chihuahuas, are more prone to barking, while there are some, like Basenjis, who are almost silent. You would also see that senior dogs usually bark less than younger ones (a thing you would notice in humans as well). Interestingly, dogs from different regions can develop slightly different barking sounds influenced by their environment.
While it is common for some breeds to bark more than others, dog owners usually raise a concern about excessive barking. This is probably because they themselves get a headache or the neighbors start complaining about it.
Excessive barking can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Hence, as a dog owner, you need to understand the types of barking and the reason why your dog is barking so much to firstly strengthen your bond and, secondly, identify underlying illnesses, if any, at the right time.
Why Do Dogs Bark?
Barking is a primary means of communication for dogs, expressing emotions, needs, and responses to their environment. It is not just a physical act but an act deeply rooted in a dog’s psychological state. While it may seem like there’s only one thing that your dog tries to communicate with barking – ‘Get me food!’, they have an entire language of it.
Many also associate barking as a sign of aggression or misbehavior. But it is far from the truth. Here are some of the common reasons for a dog to bark – (2)
Alert Barking: Reaction to strangers, noises, or new environments.
Playful/Excitement Barking: Often during play, greeting, or positive excitement.
Attention-Seeking Barking: Used to get attention from owners or indicate a need, like going outside.
Boredom or Frustration: When dogs lack stimulation or are left alone for extended periods, they develop anxiety, which can lead to barking.
Territorial barking – Directed at protecting the dog’s perceived territory.
Instinctual Barking: Certain breeds bark more due to hunting, herding, or guarding instincts.
Types of Barks: You will often notice that the tone, pitch and duration of the bark will be different in different contexts. For example, persistent barking, accompanied by behaviors such as jumping or pawing is usually to get your attention. You’ll see sharp and repetitive barking which gets more intense as the threat comes closer if your dog is trying to alert you of something.
Barking is not their only way of communication, though. You’ll hear other sounds as well like whining, which indicates a variety of emotions, including anxiety, frustration, or a desire for attention; howling, which is a form of long-distance communication often used as a signal of presence, call for attention, or response to other howls; growling which is a dog’s way of saying ‘back off’ when they feel threatened and whimpering which usually indicates discomfort, pain or submission to other, often older, dogs. (2)
The intensity of barking also depends on the dog’s breed. Some breeds are more prone to barking due to their genetics and roles. Herding breeds like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Shetland Sheepdogs are often more vocal due to their role in managing livestock. The guarding ones, like German Shepherds and Rottweilers, are more prone to territorial and protective barking. Hound breeds like Beagles and Basset Hounds usually bark more when they are triggered by a scent or a noise. (1)
Can Dogs Get Tired of Barking?
Physical Fatigue: Dogs can indeed become physically tired after prolonged barking, just as humans might from speaking or shouting for long periods.
Mental and Emotional Fatigue: Excessive barking is often a result of an underlying condition, which can include anxiety, stress or any other medical issue. Such issues can also tire their brain if they’ve been going at it for a long time. They can also feel mentally exhausted if they are barking to get your attention but are not getting any despite constant efforts.
Health Impact of Excessive Barking: Prolonged barking can cause physical strain on a dog’s throat and vocal cords, potentially leading to hoarseness or temporary voice loss.
Signs of Excessive Barking and Underlying Issues
In order to stop your dog from excessive barking, it is important for you to be able to identify the underlying issue behind it. Here are some of the possible ones -
Anxiety or Fear: Dogs with separation anxiety or fear-based triggers.
Pain or Discomfort: Barking may indicate physical pain or discomfort.
Cognitive Dysfunction: For older dogs, cognitive dysfunction (like canine dementia) can lead to increased barking.
Hearing Loss: Older dogs with hearing loss may bark more out of confusion or to locate their owner.
Can Dogs Lose their Voice from Barking?
Yes, just like humans, dogs can strain their vocal cords if they engage in excessive barking frequently. Apart from barking, there are certain medical conditions that can affect a dog’s vocal cords as well. These include infections, injury to the larynx, hypothyroidism, or certain neurological conditions.
Tips to Manage and Reduce Excessive Barking
To manage your dog’s excessive barking, you need to first identify the potential triggers. They can be strangers, loud noises, separation anxiety, pain, discomfort or even a severe medical condition. If the barking is caused due to a behavioral problem, here are some tips to reduce it -
Training and Positive Reinforcement: Training techniques, such as rewarding quiet behavior and redirecting attention, can help.
Mental and Physical Stimulation: A healthy mind is less prone to anxiety and stress. So, daily exercise, interactive toys, and activities to reduce boredom-induced barking.
Behavior Modification: For dogs barking out of fear or anxiety, consider desensitization or counterconditioning with professional guidance.
Environmental Adjustments: In case the trigger is loud noises, you can shut the windows and try white noise to calm your dog.
When to consult a Veterinarian or Behaviorist
If you don’t notice any external trigger causing the excessive barking, then there is a high chance that there is something inside your dog’s body causing pain or discomfort to them which is indeed making them bark more than usual. In this case, you must see a vet and ensure a proper diagnosis.
In case the frequency of excessive barking increases, you must consult a dog behavior specialist, as it can lead to several mental and physical issues for the dog.
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Conclusion
To quickly recap, yes, dogs can get tired of barking just like how we can get tired of talking. Excessive barking is a common issue reported by dog owners. It is usually triggered either because of an external disturbance or an internal pain or discomfort.
Getting a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones is a way to deal with it but then you’ll be ignoring your dog’s health as there can be a severe medical issue making them bark excessively. Hence, it is recommended to keep an eye out for triggers, diagnose the underlying cause and get it treated at the earliest.
