Do Dogs Get Tired of Barking?

Are there mornings when your dog’s bark feels less like communication and more like endless performance art: loud, repetitive, and slightly unhinged? Barking is a commonly reported behavior problem, and while some pet parents believe that letting their dog bark it out will solve the problem, this often teaches the dog that no one will help in times of distress. 

Because barking is such a naturally reinforcing behavior for dogs, figuring out why your dog is barking and finding a training solution is probably your best bet for resolving the issue. Read on to learn more about barking as a behavior in dogs, how to stop unwanted barking, and when barking may be appropriate.

Do dogs get tired of barking?

Dogs don’t necessarily get tired of barking. But a fulfilled and enriched dog is less likely to bark. All dogs bark for various reasons, such as:

• Fear

• Alerting you to something

• An invitation to play

• Greeting others

• Boredom

Dogs simply bark. It’s how they communicate, so it’s unrealistic to expect a dog never to bark. But excessive barking is a concern. A dog displaying this behavior won’t stop just because they’re tired of barking; instead, you’ll need to identify the underlying cause and work to address it. Dogs can bark for extended periods without getting physically tired, but constant barking can indicate stress, anxiety, or boredom. To reduce excessive barking, it's important to address the root cause through positive reinforcement training techniques. Read along as we address all you need to know about barking and how to stop or limit it. 

Can dogs physically get tired of barking?

While dogs can eventually become physically tired of barking, that doesn’t necessarily mean they will stop once tired. Since excessive, repetitive barking is often a result of stress or anxiety, most dogs will continue barking despite being physically tired until they find emotional and mental relief from the situation. 

Do some dogs bark more than others?

Certain breeds are more predisposed to frequent barking due to their genetic traits and original breeding purposes. Dogs who were bred to alert their handlers, such as Beagles, German Shepherds, and Huskies, may vocalize or bark more. Additionally, this behavior — and how frequently it occurs — can be influenced by their environments and experiences.

Why dogs bark for long periods

When dogs won’t stop barking, there’s usually a reason — and it’s not just to drive you up the wall (even if it feels that way). Dogs can bark for long periods for several reasons, often tied to their instincts, emotions, or environment. They could be barking out of boredom, frustration, excitement, fear, stress, or a mix of things. Here are a few types of excessive barking and what they usually mean.

Alert-barking

Ever have a dog bark at the door when they hear the mail person? Your dog is likely alert-barking. Dogs will alert-bark to let you know when something is happening. Alert barking is usually consistent until the trigger leaves the area. Be careful not to mistake alert-barking with fear-based reactivity (see below). 

Fear-based reactive barking

Dogs who bark out of fear-based reactivity are barking because they are scared of something in the environment. They bark as an attempt to create distance from the thing they feared, and to make this scary thing go away. Fear-based reactive barking is best addressed with the help of a certified professional dog trainer who can teach you how to help your dog disengage and feel safer around their triggers.

Excitement barking

Some dogs will bark out of excitement while playing or when they meet a new person. Excitement barking usually consists of one quick bark. However, some dogs will get so excited that they become over-aroused, and that is when you may see more repetitive barking.

Attention-seeking barking

Dogs will also bark to get your attention. Whether it’s dinner time, they need to go potty, or they want to play, dogs bark to communicate with us. A short-burst bark for attention serves a purpose. But if you are finding that your dog is excessively attention-barking, you may have accidentally reinforced the behavior. 

Frustration barking

Frustration barking generally takes place during training sessions or in situations where a reward, such as food, is being withheld, and the dog doesn’t understand the task or desired behavior. If your dog is barking out of frustration, it can help to simplify the task or better communicate what you want them to do.

Separation anxiety barking

Dogs with separation anxiety will often resort to barking, alongside other behaviors. Separation anxiety barking typically occurs within a few minutes after you leave and can continue for the entirety of your absence. If your dog’s separation anxiety is impacting your life, it should be addressed by a veterinarian and/or trainer, especially a certified separation anxiety trainer.

How to reduce excessive barking

Although you can’t stop a dog from barking at all, there are ways to start mitigating some of their tendencies to bark, especially excessively. 

Identify the cause of barking

Before starting with any training or behavior modification, it is important to first identify the reason why your dog is barking. Being able to read and identify body language, as well as understand your dog’s various vocalizations, are important first steps. Your dog’s barking may vary in different environments and under different circumstances, so note the context and their triggers to address each situation.

Trigger management

Something as simple as a baby gate can be game-changing when it comes to your dog’s barking behavior. Or for example, a dog who is constantly barking out the window may benefit from some privacy film to prevent practicing the behavior of barking. 

Use positive reinforcement

Depending on why your dog is barking, the right approach to training will differ. Rewarding an alternative behavior, then continuing to manage it, is typically a good place to start. Excessive barkers may also benefit from training that consists of learning a more appropriate response to the environment or stimuli, such as nudging you with their nose for attention or coming to you for a treat, instead of barking. 

Try supportive supplements

Some research has shown that music and pheromone therapy can help with excessive barking. While not a complete solution when used alone, music and pheromone therapy can help take the edge off if your dog is barking due to stress or excitement. Calming collars, shirts, or diffusers (such as Adaptil) may provide solutions for mild stress, while more severe cases may require medical and behavioral intervention. 

Mental and physical enrichment

Dogs who are physically and mentally satisfied are less likely to bark. (However, it is important to remember that your dog decides what is enriching.) While one dog may enjoy a puzzle toy, another may prefer a sniffy walk. With the right enrichment, your dog is more likely to be relaxed and show desirable behaviors instead of barking.

When barking could be a sign of a problem

Barking in dogs is typically a normal form of communication, but excessive or unusual barking can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition. Dogs can bark due to pain or discomfort, cognitive dysfunction (in older dogs), or other underlying health issues.

Medical conditions that cause barking

If your dog is barking excessively or in a way that seems unusual for them — especially if the barking is accompanied by other signs such as lethargy, changes in appetite, difficulty moving, or behavioral changes — it’s important to consult a veterinarian. A vet can rule out medical conditions and determine if the barking is related to a health issue or a behavioral concern.

Compulsive barking

Some barking is the result of a more serious behavior disorder. If you believe your dog is barking for no apparent reason, it is important to consult a veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist. Compulsive barking can be a challenging behavior to manage, but with the right approach, it is possible to help dogs overcome it. 

Early intervention, consistent training, environmental enrichment, and in some cases, medical treatment, can help manage and reduce compulsive barking, improving both the lives of the dog and the pet parent.

When to seek out help from a pro

Never use fear or punishment to try to stop your dog from barking. Excessive barking can be a nuisance, but tools such as electronic bark collars are cruel and don’t get to the root of the problem. It’s always better to figure out why your dog is barking in the first place.

If you find that your dog’s barking is impacting your or your dog’s mental, emotional, or physical well-being, it is probably time to seek out the help of a professional dog trainer. When looking for a dog trainer, it is important to find someone who focuses on reward-based, positive reinforcement training to prevent the behavior from getting worse. You may also need to visit your veterinarian for further medical and behavioral support.

Commonly asked questions

Do dogs bark themselves to sleep?

Yes, some dogs may bark themselves to sleep, especially if they are experiencing anxiety, stress, or excitement. But this is not something you should rely on as a solution to your dog’s barking, because it can lead to long-term behavioral issues. 

Can barking be a sign of a medical issue?

Yes, dogs experiencing pain, cognitive dysfunction, neurological disorders, behavior disorders, or other medical conditions may bark as a symptom. 

How long can a dog bark before stopping?

The amount of time a dog can bark before stopping varies significantly depending on the individual dog, the cause of the barking, and the dog's physical condition. Some dogs may bark for a few minutes, while others may continue for hours, especially if the barking is due to anxiety, frustration, or excitement. 

Why does my dog bark nonstop at night?

Barking nonstop at night can be the result of issues with separation anxiety, stimuli, or cognitive dysfunction, depending on the setup of your dog’s sleeping situation, your dog’s medical history, and environmental factors.

Can training help reduce excessive barking?

Yes, consistent and positive training techniques can help you and your dog work towards a more peaceful life together. Working with a certified professional dog trainer, behavior consultant, or veterinary behaviorist can help you identify and address your dog’s excessive barking. Be sure to look for someone who has valid certifications and credentials (CPDT-KA, CDBC, CAAB, etc.) from reputable organizations, as well as someone who focuses on positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods.

What do I do if a neighbor complains about my dog’s barking?

If your neighbor complains about your dog’s barking, remain calm and avoid getting defensive, or they could escalate their actions in a way that adversely impacts your dog. (This is called nuisance barking and is a common reason why someone may file a complaint against you with animal control.) Instead, assure them that you understand this is a problem, that you are proactively working to rectify this issue, and that the training process may take a little time. Refer to “How to reduce excessive barking,” above, for several tips on how to control excessive-barking behavior. If these don't seem to stick, reach out to your veterinarian or a canine behavioralist.

References

Amaya, Veronica, Mandy B.A. Paterson, and Clive J.C. Phillips. “Effects of Olfactory and Auditory Enrichment on the Behaviour of Shelter Dogs.” Animals 10, no. 4 (March 30, 2020): 581. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10040581.

Frank, Diane, Guy Beauchamp, and Clara Palestrini. “Systematic Review of the Use of Pheromones for Treatment of Undesirable Behavior in Cats and Dogs.” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 236, no. 12 (June 15, 2010): 1308–16. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.236.12.1308.

Grigg, Emma K., Juliann Chou, Emily Parker, Anwyn Gatesy-Davis, Sara T. Clarkson, and Lynette A. Hart. “Stress-Related Behaviors in Companion Dogs Exposed to Common Household Noises, and Owners’ Interpretations of Their Dogs’ Behaviors.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science 8 (November 8, 2021). https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.760845.

Herron, Meghan E., Taylor M. Kirby-Madden, and Linda K. Lord. “Effects of Environmental Enrichment on the Behavior of Shelter Dogs.” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 244, no. 6 (March 15, 2014): 687–92. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.244.6.687.

Lindig, Abigail M., Paul D. McGreevy, and Angela J. Crean. “Musical Dogs: A Review of the Influence of Auditory Enrichment on Canine Health and Behavior.” Animals 10, no. 1 (January 13, 2020): 127. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10010127.

Protopopova, Alexandra, Dmitri Kisten, and Clive Wynne. “Evaluating a Humane Alternative to the Bark Collar: Automated Differential Reinforcement of Not Barking in a Home-Alone Setting.” Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis 49, no. 4 (July 11, 2016): 735–44. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.334.