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Why Do Dogs Bark at Night?
Nighttime barking is common in puppies and young dogs, but it can also happen with older dogs. Here are the most common reasons:
- Your dog needs to go outside.
- They feel lonely.
- Something has frightened them.
- They are sick or in pain.
- They are bored.
- They miss their owner.
If your puppy is barking at night, the first two reasons are the most likely causes. For adult dogs, external disturbances—like wildlife in the yard or unusual noises—could be the trigger.
How to Stop Your Dog from Barking at Night
To stop dog barking, you can consider one of the following suggestions.
Step 1 – Check Your Dog’s Health
The first thing to do is rule out any health issues. Sometimes an upset stomach or a bladder infection can wake your dog up, causing them to cry or bark.
As dogs age, their sleep patterns may change, and health issues can arise. If nighttime barking becomes frequent, take your dog to the vet for a checkup to explore possible treatments.
Step 2 – Identify Potential Disturbances
Your dog might be barking at night because something is bothering them. Common triggers include raccoons rummaging through garbage, neighborhood cats, or a neighbor leaving for work at odd hours.
To reduce disturbances:
- Secure your trash cans to keep wild animals away.
- Keep an eye on your dog’s environment with a pet camera like the Petcube, which offers two-way communication and a treat dispenser.
Step 3 – Limit Your Dog’s Space
A stressed dog will often run around the house, which can increase their anxiety. If your dog is restless at night:
- Have them sleep in a room without windows facing the street or yard.
- Use a crate if they’re comfortable with it. Introduce it gradually with a positive approach and treats.
- Try a white noise machine to drown out external sounds.
In the photos, you can see the options for creating a fenced area for your dog.
Step 4 – Increase Physical and Mental Activity
A tired dog is a quiet dog. Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise throughout the day. The amount of exercise needed depends on the breed, but generally, a well-exercised dog will be calm in the evening.
If you have a busy schedule, try interactive toys, treat-dispensing puzzles, or an automatic ball launcher. There are a variety of great toys you can use to keep your dog physically and mentally occupied.
Consider setting up a dog-friendly yard with a sandpit, small pool, or agility equipment. You can find more ideas in my article on how to create outdoor dog area.
Step №5 – give your dog more attention
Dogs often bark at night because they feel lonely, especially if they spend a lot of time alone during the day.
- Spend quality time with your dog when you’re home.
- Letting your dog sleep in your room (but not necessarily on your bed).
Should I take my dog to my bed? It's not necessary. But if you're not averse, it can be a problem solver for older dogs. For older dogs with hearing loss, it can be a wonderful relaxation to stay with their owners at night.
Step 6 – Avoid Reinforcing the Barking
Many owners unknowingly encourage barking by giving their dog attention every time they bark. While it’s important to check if something is wrong, keep your response short and neutral. If your dog learns that barking gets them attention, they’ll keep doing it.
Additional help
If barking becomes a habit despite your efforts, you may need additional tools. Anti-barking devices like the BarkWise from GoodLife offer a humane approach. It has two modes:
- Automatic Mode: Activates vibration or ultrasonic sound in response to excessive barking.
- Manual Mode: You control when to activate the device.
Ultrasonic devices work by emitting a high-frequency sound that interrupts barking without causing harm, helping to condition dogs to remain quiet over time. Many pet owners find these devices effective for breaking the habit of excessive nighttime barking.
Should You Punish Your Dog for Barking?
Punishing your dog—whether by spraying water, hitting, or using a shock collar—is ineffective and can lead to aggression or anxiety. Studies show that positive reinforcement is the best training method.
Professional dog trainers and organizations strongly discourage punishment-based training.
Tips for Puppy Owners
If your puppy is new to your home, some whining or barking at night is normal, especially if they are used to sleeping with their littermates.
What to do:
- Place their crate next to your bed. Being close to you in a secure space will help them feel safe.
- Puppies may bark at night if they need to go potty. To prevent bad habits, take them outside before they start barking. Set an alarm for a mid-night bathroom break (about four hours after bedtime), then gradually extend the time as your puppy matures.
Should You Ignore Puppy Barking? Unlike adult dogs, puppies bark at night due to fear or separation anxiety. Ignoring them won’t make them feel better. Instead, make them feel secure by keeping them close to your bed.
Summary
If your dog barks at night, follow these steps:
✔ Identify any health issues.
✔ Eliminate disturbances.
✔ Provide enough exercise and attention.
✔ Limit their space at night.
✔ Be realistic about puppy behavior.
A well-trained, mentally stimulated dog is more likely to sleep peacefully at night.
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