Should I Ignore My Dog Barking at Night?
People love their dogs, but it can be annoying when they bark at night. Excessive barking at night is a common nuisance and can interrupt a good night’s sleep. Dogs can bark for several reasons, so one question is: should I ignore my dog barking at night? After all, it might learn to stop after ignoring it, right?
It depends on what is actually wrong with the dog. The team at the Dan Gentile Dog Training Center is here with these common causes for dogs barking at night and what to do about it.
We are one of the best places to send dogs for training, so don’t hesitate to give our professional dog trainers a call!
Why Is My Dog Barking at Night?
Dogs bark at night for several reasons, some serious and others not so serious. Dogs might bark at night because they are scared, nervous, bored, or have to go to the bathroom. They also might be responding to sounds inside the house or movement outside the house.
Too Much Energy
Dogs are energetic creatures and can get bored and anxious if they have too much energy and no outlet. If your dog frequently barks at night, it might not be getting enough exercise and playtime during the day. Try increasing the amount of exercise your dog gets during the day, and it will be tired enough to sleep without distraction at night.
Bathroom
Many dogs, especially puppies, have poor bladder control and might need to go out at night to use the bathroom. Puppies, in particular, can have a rough time managing their bladder and learning to sleep alone or sleep in a crate. One strategy is to wake your puppy up before it starts barking to take it outside to go potty.
Disturbances
Your dog also might be responding to disturbances outside. For example, if their bed is near a window or patio door, they might get distracted if they see animals outside. They also might be distracted by the sound of a household appliance during the night, like the HVAC system.
Separation Anxiety
Dogs are pack animals and can get anxious and nervous when separated from their owners. This is especially noticeable for dogs that are still getting used to sleeping alone. If you don’t mind, you can try putting the dog bed in your bedroom so they feel less anxious when sleeping. Older dogs may also prefer to sleep near their owners.
What to Do About My Dog Barking at Night
If your dog is not distressed or injured, the best way to get them to stop barking is to stop rewarding the behavior. Check on the barking dog as quickly as possible, so it doesn’t learn to associate barking with getting attention. Eventually, the behavior should stop.
If you decide to ignore your dog’s demand-barking, you must be prepared for the psychological phenomenon known as an “extinction burst.” When a dog has successfully used barking to get your attention in the past, and you suddenly start ignoring it, they will not just quietly give up. They will actually bark louder, longer, and harder for a short period to see if their old tactic still works. If you give in and check on them during this escalated barking, you have accidentally rewarded their persistence. You must outlast the extinction burst to permanently stop the behavior.
If your dog’s nighttime barking is driven by severe separation anxiety or a deep lack of confidence, ignoring them will not fix the root emotional issue. Our immersive Train While Boarding boot camps (strictly for dogs 3.5 to 4 months of age and older) are designed to build profound canine independence. By teaching your dog how to self-soothe and exist calmly without needing your constant reassurance, we eliminate the frantic energy that fuels nighttime panic, allowing both you and your dog to finally get a peaceful night’s sleep.
Dog Training in New Jersey
Read our blog for tips on how to help your fearful dog gain confidence. For more answers to questions like, “Should I ignore my dog barking at night?” contact the Dan Gentile Dog Training Center to learn about our Train While Boarding programs, or call today at (732) 938-5040 to schedule an appointment for teaching your dog!