Some dogs are known to be particularly loud, but do dogs ever get tired of barking? Frustration over a dog that seems to bark endlessly and disrupt the peace often leads to conflict with neighbors and can even get animal welfare involved. Sometimes, it becomes a legal issue when a dog becomes a noise nuisance.
Despite knowing how vital barking is to canines, we can’t help but wonder if dogs ever get sick of it. We know your neighbors do. But we can all agree that sometimes the barking goes out of hand. Perhaps it’s because your dog is bored and needs mental stimulation with a puppy snuffle mat, or they just miss you.
We have consulted experts like Mark Feinstein in his works Barking and Mobbing and Canine Behavior Insights to understand dogs and their barking. Even if your dog can bark for hours on end, they must get exhausted at some point, right? Read along to find more because this is a complicated issue.
So, Do Dogs Ever Get Tired of Barking?
Dogs rarely get tired of barking once the barking becomes a habit or even a compulsion that helps them deal with anxiety, boredom, or loneliness. Dogs who get enough mental and physical stimulation tend to bark less, and some dogs will only bark when triggered by something they see or hear, like other dogs barking at night.
Key Takeaways
- Dogs never really get tired of barking, but they might bark less once they become physically tired.
- Boredom, separation anxiety, and fear are reasons why dogs bark excessively.
- Understanding why your dog is barking can help you address the behavior and find ways to reduce excessive barking.
While dogs never tire of barking, they may bark less during a single barking session. They eventually stop when they become physically exhausted, the trigger for barking goes away, or they simply find something else to do. However, you shouldn’t let it get to this point since you could violate the dog barking laws in your area.
It’s important to note that excessive barking can be a nuisance to pet parents and their neighbors. If a dog’s barking becomes a problem, it’s essential to understand the underlying reasons and seek support from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.
Why Do Dogs Not Get Tired of Barking? 7 Reasons Dogs May Never Get Tired Of Barking
When dogs bark excessively, they often go on for hours. They tend to ignore anybody shouting at them to stop (yelling at a barking dog actually encourages them to keep going). Problem behaviors like excessive barking are also one of the most common reasons dogs are surrendered to shelters and one of the most common issues owners complain about.
So it’s essential to understand that most well-adjusted dogs don’t bark more than they feel they need to. But when a dog starts excessive barking and just won’t quit (and never gets to seem tired of it), we are talking about a problem or unwanted behavior. So let’s look at the most common reasons a dog will keep barking without ever seeming to tire of it.
1. Loneliness and Boredom
One of the primary reasons dogs may bark persistently is feelings of loneliness and boredom. Dogs are highly social animals, relying on interaction and companionship. When left alone for extended periods, they may resort to barking to express their distress and seek attention. This behavior can be particularly prominent in dogs with separation anxiety.
According to Dr. Stanley Coren, A dog barking because they are left alone for long periods will typically bark incessantly and for a very long time. They tend to bark once and wait for a few beats before barking again. This is called interval barking. It’s a dog’s way of shouting, “I’m alone and need a friend! Is anybody there?”
This is one of the most common reasons we wonder why dogs never get tired of barking, and it’s also probably the saddest.
2. Hyperarousal
Hyperarousal refers to a state of heightened excitement or agitation, often triggered by environmental stimuli. Dogs can become hyper-aroused due to various factors such as excessive exercise, overstimulation, or inadequate mental and physical stimulation.
It’s also a genetic factor that you will see in extremely alert breeds like the Jack Russell Terrier, Border Collie, or Belgian Malinois. In some cases, chronic hyperarousal is a sign of trauma in dogs who get stuck looking for potential threats.
These dogs often look for something to do and tend to fixate easily when they don’t have a job. That means they can become glued to the fence or a window, just waiting for something to bark at it. Dogs who are struggling with hyperarousal need to have a job or activity to divert them from looking for something to bark at.
They also need to be taught how to “settle” or have periods in the day when they are calm because they often get stuck in this hyper-alert state, just waiting for something to set off their barking. Balanced training sessions with an intense “job” like agility training help refocus them. They also need a lot of consistent work teaching them not to fixate when they aren’t active.
Otherwise, barking for dogs with hyperarousal can serve as an outlet for their excess energy, resulting in a seemingly never-ending vocalization. The video below shows how to deal with a Border Collie that has hyperarousal and is constantly triggered by her environment:
3. Exposure to Triggers
Dogs have highly developed senses, particularly their hearing. When exposed to triggers like other dogs barking, sirens, or loud noises, they may feel compelled to join in the chorus. This behavior stems from their natural instinct to communicate and respond to perceived threats or signals, even if the trigger is outside their immediate environment.
In other words, if a dog is constantly exposed to triggers for barking, they may bark for hours and never seem to grow tired of it.
4. Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Other Forms of Anxiety
Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or separation anxiety, can also contribute to incessant barking in dogs. Just like humans, dogs can experience anxiety, which may be triggered by various factors such as changes in routine, unfamiliar environments, traumatic experiences, or having their favorite person leave.
Barking can serve as a coping mechanism or a way to communicate their fear or discomfort.
5. Canine Compulsive Disorder
Canine-compulsive disorder (CCD) is a behavioral disorder characterized by repetitive and compulsive behaviors. Compulsive barking is one of the common manifestations of CCD. Dogs affected by CCD engage in compulsive activities, including barking, as a means to alleviate anxiety or discomfort.
This behavior often persists regardless of environmental triggers or reinforcement, and when it’s compulsive, it can go on as long as the dog is awake without them ever tiring. The video below shows how a behaviorist may combat CCD in dogs.
6. Canine Cognitive Decline
As dogs age, they may experience cognitive decline, similar to humans with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Canine cognitive decline, also known as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), can cause confusion, disorientation, and anxiety. In such cases, dogs may bark continuously due to their heightened state of distress or frustration stemming from cognitive impairment.
Barking starts when a puppy is between 2 and 4 weeks, and usually, the first dog happens when they are startled.
7. Learned Behavior
Additionally, learned barking can be a significant factor in excessive barking among dogs that can cause them to never get tired of it. A puppy will usually bark for the first time between 2 and 4 weeks old when they get a fright. Thereafter, it can become a learned behavior, and they may never get tired of it.
Dogs are astute learners who can learn habits and behaviors through observation and reinforcement. If dogs realize that barking leads to attention, such as being let outside or receiving treats, they may continue to bark excessively to elicit the desired response. This learned behavior can become ingrained over time, making it challenging to break the cycle.
Furthermore, dogs can also learn to associate specific triggers or situations with the need to bark. For example, suppose a dog constantly barks at the mailman or delivery personnel. In that case, they may come to believe that barking is an effective way to protect their territory or alert their owners. This learned response can lead to a habit of excessive barking whenever they encounter similar situations or stimuli, perpetuating the behavior even when the original threat or trigger is no longer present.
Do Dogs Enjoy Barking?
Whether dogs enjoy barking depends on the cause. A dog in a high state of stress that is warning of an intruder is not enjoying barking. Likewise, a dog that is barking out of loneliness, fear, or anxiety is also not enjoying it. But a dog that feels they are part of a pack all barking at passersby can enjoy barking immensely. It’s also a great way to pass the time for many dogs.
What many people don’t realize is that when they shout at their barking dogs to “pipe down,” the sound of shouting sounds a lot like a bark. So, to many dogs, your shouting means you are joining in on the barking! This is why shouting at a dog to stop barking is extremely ineffective. Most dogs think, “Yes! My human is barking with me now!”
You can tell if a dog enjoys barking somewhat by how rapidly they are barking and the pitch. High-pitched, frantic barking tends to mean a dog is sensing a threat. Low-pitched barking can mean the dog is being more aggressive and issuing a warning. Sometimes barking happens to get attention, or an older dog may bark once and sharply to correct a puppy.
Dogs also often bark in distress. But they can have a great time barking at a bicycle through the fence.
How Long Until A Dog Gets Tired Of Barking?
Dogs typically don’t get tired of barking within a specific timeframe. It depends on the cause of the barking. Dogs who bark excessively because it’s all they have to do all day or because they are lonely, anxious, or suffer from dementia or a compulsive disorder can bark all day and all night. They never get tired of it.
How Long Is Too Long to Let A Dog Bark?
Never let your dog bark for more than a few minutes. In specific cases, barking may be part of a dog’s job, such as protection-trained dogs who need to bark on command. In other cases, a dog who barks to warn of a possible intruder is perfectly natural, but the barking should stop the moment the threat has passed.
Our article on how long dogs can bark legally discusses local municipal laws that affect how long you can let your dog bark before they become a noise nuisance. Often this is only for between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on where you live.
However, for your dog’s welfare, prolonged excessive barking that lasts more than 10 minutes suggests an underlying issue like loneliness, stress, and anxiety. This means your dog needs behavioral therapy to address the problem.
Can Dogs Lose Their Bark From Barking Too Much?
When dogs bark too much for a prolonged period, their voice box can become strained, and they can “lose their voice,” just like humans do. This should resolve naturally over time, but keep in mind that when a dog is hoarse, they may have a medical problem, including:
- An inflamed larynx;
- Gastroesophageal reflux;
- Laryngeal paralysis;
- Growths or tumors in the throat; or
- Everted laryngeal saccules (masses or nodules around the vocal cords) that could be part of brachycephalic syndrome in short-nosed dogs like Bulldogs and Pugs.
Do Dogs Get Annoyed By Barking?
Barking amongst dogs is socially contagious. So when one dog barks, it usually sets off most of the dogs in the surrounding area to bark too. However, dogs also bark at each other to invite one another to play. For many dogs, having another dog barking in their face can be annoying.
In the video below, a puppy is barking at an older dog to get their attention and ask to play. The older dog responds with interest, and the puppy resorts to appeasement behavior, like rolling on their back to show their belly. This is because having another barking in their face can indeed be annoying to some dogs and result in a “correction” or a nip.
What Could Cause A Dog To Get Tired Of Barking?
When dogs are chronic and habitual barkers, not much can make them stop without consistent positive reinforcement training and behavior modification. Still, some things may make it look like a dog has gotten tired of barking, at least temporarily.
Physical Exhaustion
Just like humans, dogs can become physically exhausted from barking. Continuous barking can cause panting, which can lead to dehydration and fatigue. Puppies, in particular, have limited vocal cords and can tire quickly from excessive barking.
Mental Stimulation
Dogs need mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Barking can signify boredom, loneliness, or lack of physical and mental stimulation. Puzzle toys, agility training, and positive reinforcement training can provide mental stimulation and reduce excessive barking.
Dog Training
Training is essential to prevent excessive barking in dogs. Behavior modification techniques can help dogs learn to control their barking and communicate effectively. Positive reinforcement training can teach dogs to focus on their owners and seek attention in positive ways.
They’ve Accomplished the Point of Barking
Your dog can stop barking if they achieve what they were barking for. If they were barking to alert you of something and you notice it, they may stop barking. They can also stop woofing if they get something they want, like a toy.
However, be careful not to accidentally reward excessive barking by giving your pooch what they want, such as going for a walk whenever they start barking. Make sure to reward dogs for being quiet rather than barking.
They Aren’t Getting What They Want
Your dog can stop barking if they see it’s getting them nowhere. This may be like stopping the vocalization after you do not return home for dogs with separation anxiety.
Will my dog ever stop barking?
With proper training and socialization, dogs can be taught to stop barking on command or to bark only when necessary. However, some breeds are more prone to barking than others, and training them to stop barking may take more time and effort.
Separation anxiety, fear, and territorial behavior can also cause excessive barking in dogs. A veterinarian can help diagnose and treat underlying medical conditions that may contribute to excessive barking.
Do Some Dog Breeds Bark More Than Others?
Some breeds are known to be more notorious for barking than others. A study of over 4000 breeds found that breed type was highly likely to influence barking levels.
Breeds most likely to bark more than average include:
- Beagles;
- Huskies;
- Fox terriers;
- Yorkshire terriers;
- Miniature schnauzers;
- Cairn terriers;
- Chihuahuas;
- Pomeranian; and
- Dachshunds, only to mention a few.
But it’s interesting to note that while some breeds have a genetic predisposition to barking, these are not always the breeds that get most complaints for barking issues. Breeds most likely to bark and never stop include:
- Beagles;
- Cocker Spaniels;
- Collies;
- Dachshunds;
- Dalmations;
- Miniature Schnauzers;
- Shetland Sheepdogs;
- Silky terriers; and
- Yorkshire Terriers.
Some of the breeds less likely to bark excessively include:
- Basenji;
- Chow chow;
- Japanese Shar Pei;
- Bernese Mountain Dog;
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel;
- French Bulldog;
- Bulldog;
- Borzoi;
- Scottish Deerhound;
- Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier;
- Greyhounds; and
- Great Danes.
How To Stop My Dog From Barking Too Much?
Positive reinforcement training, physical exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization can help reduce excessive barking in dogs. Ultimately, the best way to reduce your dog’s barking is to find and address the root cause.
Provide Mental Stimulation like Puzzles, Snuffle Mats, and Commands
Train Your Dog Commands Like “Quiet” to Make Them Stop Barking
Take Your Dog for Walks for Physical Stimulation
Give Your Dog a Routine
That involves a job or activity, such as agility training or something that uses up both their mental and physical energy,
Address Underlying Problems Like Separation Anxiety and Canine-Compulsive Disorder
Dogs Who are Left Alone for Long Periods Can Take to Barking for Hours
Try to limit any time your dog has to spend alone. This could mean a dog sitter or invest in a doggy daycare. You may want to get your dog a friend, but remember that unless you address the issue, your first dog may teach the new dog to bark as well.
Identify Anxiety Triggers
These include thunder, fireworks, and social anxiety and try to minimize them
Socialize Your Puppies
This will help them know that people and other animals aren’t a threat
Don’t Allow Your Dog to Fixate on Things Happening Outside the Window
Don’t Allow Your Dog Near the Front Part of Your Garden to Avoid Them Barking at People Passing by Your Home
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do dogs eventually stop barking?
Dogs may stop barking if they are tired, have nothing to bark at, or are trained to stop barking on command. However, dogs are social animals that use barking as a way to communicate with their owners and other dogs, so it is unlikely that they will stop barking altogether. If owners do not actively address the underlying reasons for excessive barking, it’s unlikely the dog will stop on their own.
Do dogs get tired of whining?
Like barking, whining is a natural form of communication for dogs. While they may stop whining if they are tired or have nothing to whine about, it is unlikely that they will stop whining altogether. They especially will not stop whining if they learn that it gets them a reward like a walk or treats. Training and addressing the underlying issue can help reduce excessive whining.
Do dogs get tired of licking?
Dogs may stop licking if they are tired or have nothing to lick, but licking is a natural behavior that dogs use to communicate and show affection. However, excessive licking can be a sign of anxiety, a compulsive disorder, or boredom and may require training or addressing the underlying issue.
Final Thoughts
Dogs can tire of barking, but it depends on their physical and mental state. If your dog is barking to alert, then they’ll probably not stop until they catch your attention. However, barking to beg can reduce when your dog sees the barking isn’t doing any good.
Pet parents can support their dogs by providing physical and mental stimulation, training, and addressing any underlying medical conditions.
Meet Your Experts
Author
Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.