When your dog barks excessively at night, it’s annoying not only for you the pet owner, but for the neighbors as well. Sadly, some pet owners get rid of their pets instead of finding an effective way to stop their dogs from barking during the night.
If your night barking dog is left outside all night, the simple solution might be to just let him in the house. Most dogs do not like being alone and will bark out of loneliness or the anxiety of being left alone.
If you do not want to let him inside, make sure that your outside dog gets plenty of attention and playtime with you during the day. In fact, the number one cause of most bad dog behavior is a general lack of exercise.
Keep in mind that an outdoor dog that barks all night is more disturbing to the neighbors than an indoor dog. For this reason, getting the behavior under control should be top on your list.
Wear Him Out
Some dogs bark all night long simply from boredom. A dog that has no interaction with people and gets very little exercise during the day will tend to nap. When a dog sleeps all day, he will be full of energy at night.
To help alleviate this, make sure that the dog gets plenty of exercise and socialization during the day.
It’s very important to give your dog a good, long, daily walk. This not only helps drain the dogs energy, but establishes an essential bond between you and your pet.
A good game of catch also helps to establish a bond between you and your best friend, and is great way to alleviate pent up energy.
Don’t forget the dog park. Dogs need to be with other dogs, and when this tension is relieved it can help to alleviate other problems like unwanted barking out of frustration. Not only that, the dog park WILL wear your dog out!
Also, let the dog be around the humans in the family as much as possible during the day so loneliness can be alleviated.
Don’t Yell
Some pet owners try to combat a barking dog by barking (yelling) back. Instead, you must use a calm, steady voice. Give the command for “QUIET”. When the dog is quiet, give him a reward such as praise or a small treat.
Remember, it’s calm assertive energy you’re looking to convey to your dog. If you scream and yell, this is not the characteristic of the pack leader.
Make Concessions
Depending on the cause of the barking, you may want to consider altering your normal routine to quiet the barking. For example, if the barking stops when your pet can be near you, consider allowing him to sleep a bit closer to the human members of his family.
If your dog sleeps outside, try moving the dog house, or wherever your dog sleeps outside, closer to the door of the house. It may help give your dog a sense that he is not being abandoned, and also give him a job to do — only bark if a stranger approaches the house during the night.
Some dogs are naturally afraid to be alone. If moving his sleeping area close to you will stop the barking, it might be worth it.
Remove Stimulus
If your dog tends to bark at every passing car, you may be able to stop the barking by simply removing the stimulus. Obviously, you cannot remove the passing cars, but you can move the dog’s sleeping quarters to a spot away from the window.
If your dog sleeps outside at night, trying moving his sleeping quarters to a side of the house where he or she can’t see the road.
Sometimes if you can remove the stimulus from the sight or sound of the dog, you will be able to easily stop the dog from barking all night long.
Anti-Bark Collars
There are many types of anti-bark collars. Some shock the dog, others emit a squirt of unpleasant citronella fragrance. Others emit a high pitched noise that is quite unpleasant for the dog. Some consider these collars, especially the shock collar, to be a cruel method to stop barking. Still, if the only other option is getting rid of your pet, trying some type of anti-bark collar may be worth a try.
Professional Help
If your best efforts do nothing to stop your dog from barking during the night, consider getting advice from a professional dog trainer. He or she will be able to work with your dog to determine the exact reason for the dog’s barking. This will help him tailor a plan for your dog that will have the best chance of success.
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