Dogs, like people, have their own personalities. Some might be more vocal and yappy while others seem to barely even yip. You might even wonder whether they have a voice!
The adorable cross of a Golden Retriever and Poodle,.
In this blog post, we’ll look at why your Goldendoodle is excessively barking and what you can do about it.
Why Does Your Goldendoodle Bark?
While Goldendoodles are not excessive barkers, there might be several reasons why your dog is barking its head off.
1. Alert Barking
Dogs have four times the hearing that we humans do. Your dog that is barking at apparently nothing could be hearing something that you don’t. When a dog hears a noise that it perceives as threatening. It may begin to bark in an attempt to warn its owner.
While this behavior is instinctive, dogs that are well-socialized and have a strong bond with owners are less likely to bark than others. As such, owners should make sure to socialize their dogs from an early age and provide them with plenty of exercise and attention.
How To Fix It
Alert barking is what dogs are meant to do, and although Goldendoodles are not particularly protective, they could simply be responding to a trigger like a doorbell. Once the trigger or stimuli is removed, their barking should cease.
2. Boredom
Boredom is often one of the main culprits of excessive barking. If a dog is left alone for long periods with nothing to do, it may start to bark out of sheer frustration. This can quickly become a habit, and it can be difficult to break once it’s established.
How To Fix It
Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to help reduce excessive barking in bored dogs. First, make sure that your dog has plenty of toys and chew toys to keep them occupied.
Second, provide your dog with plenty of exercises to keep them in tip-top shape. Just like humans, dogs need to exercise to stay healthy and fit. Exercise helps to keep their joints and muscles strong. It also supports healthy bone growth and helps to prevent obesity. In addition, exercise helps to improve circulation and can even have a positive impact on cognitive function.
There are a variety of ways to exercise your dog. Walking is the most obvious option, but playing fetch or frisbee can also be a great way to get them moving. For dogs that enjoy swimming, a trip to the beach or lake can be the perfect workout. And for those days when the weather isn’t cooperating, there are plenty of indoor options as well, such as agility classes or visits to the dog park.
Finally, if possible, try to find a dog-walking service or dog daycare center where they can socialize and stay active if you are gone all day.
3. Separation Anxiety
Goldendoodles are loving, affectionate dogs that can be closely bonded to their families. However, this makes them also prone to separation anxiety, which can manifest in excessive barking, whining, and howling when left alone.
Separation anxiety can be caused by several factors, including changes in routine, such as a family member going on vacation. It can also be triggered by something as simple as the sound of a door closing.
How To Fix It
If your dog is exhibiting signs of separation anxiety, such as excessive barking, there are several steps you can take to help ease their anxiety.
These include providing them with toys and chew items that keep them occupied, establishing a consistent routine, and giving them plenty of exercise. You can also consider enrolling them in doggy daycare or a boarding facility where they can interact with other dogs.
4. Excited Barking
When dogs bark in excitement, it is often due to a stimulus such as a person or animal approaching. This type of barking is usually brief and high-pitched, and it may be accompanied by wagging tails and other signs of happiness.
Excitement barking may also occur during playtime or when the dog is anticipating a rewarding experience, such as a walk or a treat.
How To Fix It
Excited barking is a natural way for your dog to communicate, but if you want to stop it, there are a few things you can do.
If your dog is barking in excitement when you come home, you might want to withhold giving it attention until it calms down and is silent. That way, your Goldendoodle doesn’t get a reward when it is barking in excitement. Once silent, then you can give your dog a pat or a treat so that in the future, he knows that he’ll get a reward when he is quiet.
5. Fear Barking
Dogs bark for a variety of reasons, including fear. Fear barking is usually characterized by a high-pitched, extended vocalization and may be accompanied by other signs of fear, such as cowering or lip-licking. Fear barking may occur in response to unfamiliar people, animals, or objects.
How To Fix It
If your dog is displaying signs of fear barking, it is important to consult with a veterinarian or certified animal behaviorist. They will determine the underlying cause and create a treatment plan. Also, socialize your dog more extensively to help it gain some confidence. Socializing your dog is an important part of their development and will help them to become a well-rounded canine citizen.
The best way to socialize your dog is to expose them to as many people, animals, and situations as possible. We can do this by taking them for walks in different neighborhoods or visiting the dog park. You can also invite friends over to meet your pup, and enroll them in puppy classes. It’s important to start socialization early, but it’s never too late to start.
Final Thoughts
While Goldendoodles are not known to be excessive barkers, there are exceptions to every rule. Once you’ve figured out what is causing your Goldendoodle to bark, then you can fix the root of the problem. Good luck!