It is normal for dogs to bark to express themselves, but sometimes constant barking can be a problem. If your dog barks for more than 15 minutes, it is considered distress barking. Excessive barking is not only irritating but is also unhealthy for the dog.
In this article, we will address the basic question regarding how long a dog can bark without getting tired, and will attempt to find solutions to stop excessive barking. I have dealt with numerous cases of excessive barking with my dogs and here is what I concluded from my own experiences.
What I Will Learn?
How Long Can A Dog Bark Without Getting Tired?
Most often, the dog gets tired from barking after 15 minutes or so. So, the answer to this question depends on the age of the dog, physical condition, and breed.
Dogs that are more than 12 years old cannot bark long enough without getting tired. Puppies may bark for hours before they get tired, because they seem to be highly energetic. The problem with incessant barking is not only that the dog gets tired, but that he/she could get into trouble as well.
How To Determine If The Barking Is Normal Or Excessive?
If the dog barks once or twice because something startled him, then that is normal. However, if he continues to bark excessively without stopping, then you should definitely do something about it.
What Happens If Dogs Bark Too Much?
If a dog barks too much, it could not only irritate the neighbors but also cause a lot of problems. Some of the most common problems that can occur with dogs that bark excessively are:
- Lung Problems
- Lack Of Attention
- Anxiety / Fear
- Reaction To Fear
- Boredom / Frustration
- Low Self-Esteem
- Insecure / Aggressive Barking
Why Do Dogs Bark For So Long?
There are many reasons why dogs bark for such a long time. The list below includes the most common reasons:
Boredom / Frustration
Dogs bark to get attention, and they figure out that if they bark, the owner will eventually come down and give them some love. This is a common problem among dogs. This kind of barking occurs mostly at night when the owners are asleep or during the day while they are away at work.
Social Barrier
If there is no fence between the dog’s yard and the road, then the dog will bark at anything that walks by.
Attention Seeking
Dogs are social animals, so if they don’t receive enough attention from their owners, they may bark for hours to get it. They usually do this during nighttime when everyone around is asleep.
Fear / Anxiety
If a dog is afraid of the dark, then they may bark during nighttime to let their owners know that there is something going on outside. A dog barks because he is afraid or simply trying to get attention from his owner.
What Can I Do To Stop The Dog From Barking?
To stop the dog from barking, you must first identify the reason why they are barking. After you have identified what is causing the problem, then you need to come up with a solution that will suit your situation. If he barks because he is bored or frustrated, try entertaining him more often. If it is because he feels lonely at night time, then spend more time with him.
If your dog barks because he is afraid or anxious, then you may want to seek professional help. There are some vets out there that can prescribe sedatives for dogs in order to calm them down. If you have tried everything and nothing seems to be working, then it’s probably time to call a vet.
Which Breed Barks The Longest?
Some breeds of dogs bark for hours without getting tired, but then again, as long as the barking is considered normal as mentioned above it should be fine. In case of excessive barking, some breeds do bark for a longer period. These breeds include:
- Shih Tzu
- Beagle
- Brussels Griffon
- Dachshund
- Italian Greyhound
- Siberian Husky
- Chihuahua
Conclusions
To conclude it can be said that dogs bark for different reasons. The best way to determine what’s causing it is by paying closer attention to your dog’s behavior and trying to figure out if the barking is normal or excessive. It is always better to prevent problems than to cure them, so make sure you spend enough time with your dogs and take good care of them.
FAQs
Can a dog bark for hours?
Yes, dogs can bark for hours. The most common problem associated with barking for hours is boredom, frustration, or loneliness.
How long can a dog bark before it is considered a nuisance?
It is considered normal for a dog to bark for a few minutes, but if they continue for more than 15 minutes then it is a cause of concern and is considered a nuisance.
Can a dog bark the whole night?
Yes, if the dog is left alone during nighttime and is not taken care of properly, then it may bark for hours and hours and there is nothing you can do about it.
