Excessive barking at night is one of the most annoying and common problems people have with their dogs. It’s not impossible to correct, but it can be a challenging endeavor that will require a lot of patience.
The reasons for excessive barking at night vary from one dog to the next. The problem is that dogs cannot tell you exactly why they’re barking, so we’ll have to use our best guess. The following are some of the more common reasons that dogs bark during the night:
- They’re Lonely: If your dog is a young puppy or has been spending a lot of time alone while you’re at work, they may become anxious and begin barking.
- They’re Bored: There’s nothing worse than being bored, and dogs certainly agree. They may simply get bored of sitting around the house all day. They may want to go for a walk, enjoy some playtime, or have some visitors to keep their curious minds occupied.
How to Calm Your Dog
Here are ways to help your dog calm down a bit and lessen that possible endless barking.
1. Give Them Toys
While your dog is inside the house, give them plenty of toys to play with. These toys can help with the boredom they may be experiencing inside the house. Get them a variety of toys so that they won’t get bored with just one.
2. Give Them Calming Aids
Calming aids are available in nearly all pet supply stores and are intended to soothe your dog during stressful times. Some pet-safe herbs and oils can help. These aids at home are a great solution to keeping your dog calm and relaxed.
3. Find a New Resting Spot
Dogs may become uneasy if their sleeping place is uncomfortable—maybe it’s too warm, cold, noisy, or out in the open. It’s best to find a new resting spot for them, such as a dog bed or crate.
If your dog is tired and doesn’t want to play, you can try giving them a pillow or blanket to lie on. Doing so can make them more comfortable and help them fall asleep easier.
Many dogs prefer crates when they’re sleeping. It’s like a little sanctuary for them, away from other people or pets.
4. Give Them a Relaxing Night Routine
When your dog is ready to go to bed and eventually fall asleep, give them a calming routine to follow. It is a great way to help them calm down before bedtime.
You can give them a couple of treats, play tug-of-war with them, or play with them with a ball or toy. Whatever it is, your dog will love it! You can also give them a warm bath to calm their nerves.
5. Have an Evening Walk
If your dog does bark during the night, have them take an evening walk. It will help to tire them out a bit before bedtime. It will also help to release any energy they may have built up.
Just make sure that the walk isn’t too long, though. Otherwise, they’ll be too tired to get to sleep. A good rule of thumb is not to let them walk for more than 30 minutes.
Conclusion
Dogs will bark at night because they’re anxious, bored, or lonely. However, if you follow the tips above, you can get your dog to stop barking at night. They’ll be less anxious and have a more fulfilling life. When both of you are happy, you’ll sleep better at night as well.
If you need some extra help with obedience training, it’s best to get all the tips you can get. Read through our other blogs at Dog Obedience Training to know some tips and tricks into proper dog training.