Priya asks
Why does my dog bark at the doorbell?Why is my dog barking and howling?
How-to guide
Advice by Lindsay Arliss, Dog behaviour and training specialist
1
Decide what triggers your dogs barking or howling, then you’ll know why the barking occurs. Watch what happens after they bark too, could this be reinforcing their behaviour?
See more
If your dog barks when left home alone, it could be due to stress or anxiety. Contact a behavioural expert who can help you and your pet, and read our advice about separation anxiety.
Give your dog something to do while left home alone, to get their brain working. Try enrichment feeding, such as a stuffed Kong or a tasty chew to distract and entertain them, so their mouth and brain is kept busy from barking! Read our article about enrichment feeding.
Some dogs will bark or howl at a specific sound, maybe when they hear a musical instrument like a piano, or the sound of an ice-cream van going by. Listen and watch to work out what sound(s) trigger your pet to bark.
2
If your dog barks for attention, try ignoring them or walking away.
3
If your dog barks with excitement, maybe when they see their lead and know they’re off for a walk, wait for them to calm down before popping the lead on. You can also try this technique when feeding your pet, letting them out in the garden and when getting in/out of the car.
4
If your dog barks at the postman, or visitors at the front door, read our advice on how to prevent that on our website here.
5
If you can’t work out why your dog is barking or howling, and would like more help, you can contact us for support.
More information
Revisit basic training cues, and provide more mental stimulation for your dog, as this will help prevent them barking for attention through boredom.
Read about the amazing benefits of scent work.
Free work can also benefit your dog, find out more here.
What your dog might be feeling
I’m barking or howling at you or a sound I hear, because I need to tell you something! If you want me to calm down and stop, then try and understand what I need and why.
Three things you can do today
Listen and learn
If your dog barks or howls at various times during the day, try to work out what might be causing this; is the washing machine on or are there workmen outside?
Brush up on the basics
Working on basic cues, and even starting some new training exercises can help calm your dog and reduce the need to yap or yowl!
Get advice and support
Contact a professional / behavioural expert, or call our pet behaviour helpline to support you and your dog with any individual issues.
Hear from other humans
Carla
📍 Wales
- Dog breed: Corgi
- Dog age: 3 years
- Owner expertise: Novice
I was struggling with my dog's anxiety, especially when we had to leave the house. Thanks to Woodgreen's advice, I've made some changes that have worked wonders. By sticking to a consistent routine, my dog knows what to expect each day, which has significantly reduced her anxiety.
Sarah
📍 Sussex
- Dog breed: Cockerpoo
- Dog age: 6 months
- Owner expertise: Novice
This advice really helped me and my new pup! I tried teaching recall without your guidance and struggled. Woodgreen's step-by-step dog training videos break each action down for you and I'm happy to say we finally made progress!
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