Having a pet can be one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling responsibilities you will ever have, especially if you’re an animal lover. However, being responsible for the behaviour of your beloved furry companion is a full-time job that sometimes even extends to the night. This is especially true if you have a dog that loves to bark while you are trying to get your much-needed sleep.
While some dogs tend to be naturally yappy, this can cause problems with your neighbours and family members, so it’s essential that you solve your dog’s barking issue as soon as possible. To help you, here are four of the most effective tips on how to stop an active dog from barking all night long.
1. Keep your dog busy with toys
Boredom is one of the most common reasons behind a dog’s excessive barking at night. It may be possible that your dog has too much energy stored and ends up being active by barking. To stop your dog from barking out of boredom, it is best to provide a selection of stimulating toys that will keep your pet occupied throughout the night.
Plush toys and chew bones, in particular, can keep your canine pal busy for hours, so it is highly recommended that you keep a bunch of these energising toys around your dog’s bed to keep them entertained. However, when choosing which toys to give your dog at night, avoid the loud squeaky ones as they can further disrupt your sleep. Moreover, buying dog toys from a reliable store is vital to avoid choking risks and other injuries.
2. Provide a new resting spot
Another possible reason your dog is loud and distressed at night is that it is not 100% comfortable on the bed it is supposed to sleep on. Just like humans, dogs can also be picky about their sleep accommodations. It would thus be wise to invest in a new, soft, and comfortable resting spot to give your dog the shuteye it deserves. With a comfortable resting place, your dog will surely feel much calmer and more relaxed at night!
3. Take your dog for an evening walk
Besides boredom and discomfort, night barking can also indicate that your dog is not getting adequate exercise during the day. Dogs usually have plenty of energy that needs to be released, and exercising is the most excellent way to do this. Not getting enough exercise during the day could make your dog restless and bark excessively at night.
If you think that your dog’s excessive night barking is a cry for some fresh air and exercise, then taking it for an outside walk in the evening should help eliminate the problem. Give your pooch plenty of time to run around and play with you or other dogs. This way, it can release all its pent-up energy and tire itself out, thereby reducing the chances of it barking while you sleep.
4. Try command training
Certain commands, such as “quiet” and “go to your place,” can help stop your dog from barking excessively at night. This can be achieved by rewarding your dog with a treat every time it listens to your command. For example, whenever your dog begins barking, you should say “quiet” multiple times until it does exactly what you want.
Once your dog stops barking, it’s time you give it a treat and lots of praise. Similarly, if you want your dog to learn how to go to bed on its own, you should teach what “go to your place” means and reward it consistently. Being consistent with this command training will certainly teach your dog what you mean every time you give out a certain command.
Conclusion
Overall, there are various possible reasons why your dog loves or feels the need to bark at night. Addressing your dog’s night barking problem requires you to know its causes and the effective ways to eliminate them. If you think boredom, discomfort, or lack of exercise or training is the reason behind your dog’s excessive barking at night, following the tips in this article can help you solve the issue.
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Valerie is a pet lover, she loves all animals, whether they are big or small, furry, feathery, or even scaly, and she is passionate about translating that into words. As an avid caretaker of a variety of animals herself, she aims to provide invaluable tips and tricks that will help people give their pets the care they deserve.