It is important to get a good night’s rest for your health and wellbeing. A dog that barks through the night may cause a major disruption. It’s important to know why your dog keeps you up at night and what to do about it. Here are some tips to help you calm your dog down and have a peaceful sleep.
Why do dogs bark at night?
- Loneliness
- Explanation Dogs can bark in the night when they are lonely or if they have been left alone too long.
- Solution Spend time with your dog and create a comfortable sleeping environment.
- Passing People
- Explanation : A dog may bark to attract attention or to alert its owner when it hears or sees people walking by.
- Solution: Block the view with blinds or curtains and reduce noise from outside.
- Other Animals around
- Explanation The presence of other animals in the vicinity can cause dogs to become curious or excited and bark.
- Solution: Limit your dog’s exposure to other animals and keep them indoors during the night.
- Hear Other Dogs
- Explanation : Dogs may bark when they hear other dogs barking and are trying to communicate.
- Solution Use classical music or white noise to mask the sounds of other dogs.
- Boredom
- Explanation Lacking physical and mental stimulation can cause barking during the night.
- Solution Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise and mental stimulation during the day.
- Noise Sensitivity
- Explanation Dogs can hear very well and bark when they are scared or in need of protection.
- Solution Create an environment that is calm and quiet for your dog.
- Discomfort
- Explanation : An uncomfortable crate or bedding can make dogs bark.
- Solution Provide the dog with a soft bed, a crate of the correct size, and bedding.
- Improper Crate training
- Explanation : Dogs might see the crate more as punishment than a place of safety.
- Solution Teach your dog that the crate is a positive place by using positive reinforcement and treats.
- Absence of Supervision
- Explanation Lack of training or supervision may lead to night-time barking.
- Solution Proper training and supervision is required during the day.
New Puppy Barking in the Night
- Communication Puppy’s use barking as a way to communicate. They may be nervous when in the crate.
- Crate-Training: The best crate-training involves making it a comfortable and positive space for your dog, not one that punishes him.
- Consistency Begin crate-training immediately to stop problem barking.
How to stop a puppy from barking at night
- Positive Reinforcement:
- Introduce the crate with comfort bedding and treats.
- Gradual Training
- Increase the amount of time that your dog spends in his crate, with the door shut. Reward positive behavior.
- Consistency:
- Consistently train your puppy to sleep in the crate.
The FAQ
Why does my dog bark without reason?
- There’s usually a good reason for this, such as hearing something outside or other dogs barking. Other reasons include loneliness, discomfort or boredom. If the cause is not clear, a vet’s visit may be required.
How can I stop my dog barking at night?
- Remove Triggers Identify triggers and eliminate them, such as covering the windows to block out stimuli from outside.
- Positive Sessions of Training: Do not yell; instead, use professional methods such as “quiet”, “speak”, and other commands.
- Desensitization Make your dogs less sensitive to stimuli through regular exposure to other animals and humans.
- Exercise: Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise throughout the day in order to keep him calm at night.
Should you ignore your dog’s barking?
- To avoid reinforcing this behavior, ignore the barking. If the barking is disturbing your sleep, use white noise to cover it up.
How to Stop Your Dog from Barking at Night
- Play classical music or white noise:
- Masking external noises helps reduce anxiety.
- Evening Exercise:
- Spend time with your dog by taking him for a walk in the evening or playing.
- Calming Aids:
- You can soothe your dog with CBD oil or aromatherapy, or by using calming treats.
- The best sleeping space:
- Make sure your dog is comfortable and cozy in his bed or crate.
- Evening Pampering
- Create a routine for bedtime that includes gentle massages and brushing.
- Professional Training
- Work with a professional dog trainer if necessary to resolve persistent barking problems.
- Ignore the Barking
- Refrain from responding to the barking. This will teach the dog that it is not worth the attention.
UK Law on Dog Barking
- Statutory nuisance: According to the Environmental Protection Act of 1990, persistent barking may be considered a statutory annoyance, which could lead to fines as high as PS5,000.
- Complaints about the Neighborhood: Local Authorities are required to investigate all complaints. They may also take formal action in cases where the barking is disruptive.
Understanding the reasons for your dog’s nighttime barking, and using these strategies to help him feel more comfortable, will allow you both to sleep better.