Excessive barking in dogs can stem from a variety of reasons. Understanding the root cause is essential for effectively addressing the behaviour. Here are common reasons why dogs bark and strategies to correct it:

Attention-Seeking: Dogs may bark to get attention from their owners.

Boredom or Loneliness: Lack of mental or physical stimulation can lead to boredom, causing dogs to bark.

Fear or Anxiety: Dogs may bark in response to unfamiliar people, animals, or situations.

Territorial Behaviour: Dogs often bark to alert their owners to potential intruders or to protect their territory.

Playfulness or Excitement: Some dogs bark when they are excited or during play.

Medical Issues: Pain or discomfort can cause excessive barking.

How to Correct Excessive Barking

Identify the Cause: Observe your dog to determine the triggers for their barking.

Training and Behaviour Modification: Ignore Attention-Seeking Barking!

If your dog barks for attention, avoid rewarding the behaviour by giving them attention. Wait until they are quiet before interacting with them.

Teach the “Quiet” Command: When your dog starts barking, say "Quiet" in a calm, firm voice. Wait until they stop barking, even for a moment, and then reward them with a treat and praise.

Desensitisation: Gradually expose your dog to the stimuli that trigger barking, starting at a low intensity and increasing gradually. Reward them for remaining calm.

Provide Adequate Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Ensure your dog gets enough physical exercise through walks, playtime, and other activities. Engage your dog with puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games to keep their mind active.

Create a Calm Environment: Use calming music to help reduce anxiety-triggered barking.

Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog for being quiet with treats, praise, or play. Positive reinforcement helps reinforce good behaviour.

Professional Help: If your dog's barking is severe or doesn't improve with basic training, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or a veterinary behaviourist.

Manage the Environment: Block your dog's view of potential barking triggers by using curtains or blinds.Create a safe, comfortable space for your dog to retreat to if they feel anxious or overwhelmed.

How can I keep my dog mentally stimulated indoors and outside?

Here are a few of our top tips to keep your dog’s brain active;  

Interactive games provide both physical exercise and to stimulate your dog's mind keeping them engaged. Tug of War and Hide and Seek are good examples. 

Puzzle toys and interactive feeding toys are a great way to keep your dog mentally stimulated. Our dogs absolutely love them! These toys require your dog to problem-solve and work for their food, which can help prevent boredom and provide mental enrichment. You can use a range of chopped up fruits and vegetables as healthy treats in the puzzles. Try using chopped apple, carrot, celery, cucumber,  blueberries, and raspberries for the rewards. Set up obstacle courses and scavenger hunts using standard household available items, such as tissue boxes, egg cartons, pillows, kitchen roll tubes, scrunched up newspapers, these experiences can provide mental stimulation and encourage problem-solving skills for your dog. 

Dogs love to learn and teaching them new tricks is a great way to keep their mind active and engaged. Practice basic obedience commands or teach your dog fun tricks like how to hi-five, to challenge their cognitive abilities. 

Rotate your dog's toys and activities regularly to keep things fresh and exciting. Introducing new toys, games, or activities can prevent your dog from getting bored with the same routine. Create a stimulating environment for your dog by introducing new sights, sounds, and smells. Take your dog on different walking routes, visit new places, or provide opportunities for them to explore their surroundings. 

Socialisation with other dogs can provide mental stimulation and help your dog develop social skills. Arrange playdates with other dogs or visit a dog park to allow your dog to interact with new friends. By incorporating a variety of physical and mental activities into your dog's daily routine, you can help keep them happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated. Be sure to tailor activities to your dog's individual needs and preferences to ensure a positive and enriching experience.