14/07/2026
“Why does my dog bark, and how do I stop it?”
Barking is a complex topic with many contributing factors. Just like our verbal communication, it's not black and white, or simple.
Dogs bark to meet a need, alert us to something, ask for information, make a statement, or because we have unintentionally taught them to bark. Most importantly, we need to recognise that barking is never “for nothing”.
When I think about barking, I tend to look at two things: what we are doing, and what is the dog learning.
With Louis, I have made a point of exploring the world with him. I know I am his filter, recently I saw the fruits of that work.
At home, if something happens, I am there, I stop and investigate. If Louis barks or growls, I investigate with him, even if it is early in the morning, which is often when he is most likely to bark. In those moments, he is asking questions, seeking information, and looking for guidance.
Often, I can simply call out, “Thanks, all good, back to bed,” and he will do exactly that.
But recently, he went to Defcon 4. He was barking intensely, I was considering what to do next when he rushed into the bedroom and stood at the door. He was asking for help.
When I went to look, there was a man in my garden, shining a flashlight into my car. From the moment I arrived, Louis stopped barking and sat beside me while we assessed the situation. I was concerned about my car, so I banged on the window, hoping to scare the man away.
Instead, he came over to the window and looked in. Louis and I sat quietly looking back. The man left and I called the police.
Louis took his cues from me. Although I was not happy, I knew we were safe inside.
His response was measured because I was able to stay measured, and he believed me because he trusts me.
Today brought an opportunity to reinforce Louis’ learning and his sense of safety with me and in the home. I had several trees cut back, which meant there were lots of men and a great deal of noise. Louis was not happy. I could see he was unsure, and if I had left him to manage it alone, he may have looked for his own ways to cope.
So, we watched and listened. I did not want to stop him moving or distract him away from the sound. This was an opportunity to teach and help him learn how to manage stress.
Will Louis bark? Absolutely. I dont want to stop him communicating. I am working with him so that he can bark and think at the same time. That way, he can also listen and learn.
