As a canine behaviorist, I hear a lot of questions about barking, especially from people with dogs that seem to bark nonstop. It can be frustrating, and even unbearable for those of us with sensory issues that can make excessive barking a nightmare to live with.
But, do dogs ever get tired of barking? The answer isn’t as simple as you might think, and it’s actually quite fascinating. Dogs are social animals with a lot to say, so they tend to use barking to communicate, especially when they feel bored, lonely, or anxious. And for them, barking doesn’t get tiring in the same way other activities might.
Let’s explore how long dogs can keep barking, why they do it, and what might finally get them to take a break.
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Content:
- Do Dogs Get Tired of Barking
- How Long Can a Dog Bark Before It Gets Tired
- Can Dogs Lose Their Voice from Barking
- Conclusion
Do Dogs Get Tired of Barking
One of the interesting things about barking is that it’s what we call a “self-rewarding” behavior. This means that the barking itself can be satisfying or rewarding, which makes it hard for many dogs to stop on their own. This is because by barking, they can release excess energy or anxiety.
They may also get a reaction to reinforce the barking, such as hearing another dog bark back at night, or even having a busy owner engage with them, even if it’s just to shout.
As one Redditor put it, “Barking is a self-rewarding action, so I doubt they get tired of it. They can definitely bark so much that their voices become hoarse, however.”
This means that while it might seem odd, barking can be fun or relieving for dogs, especially if they’re feeling stressed or lonely, or if they are simply understimulated and don’t have anything else to do.
If your dog is home alone, a tool like the Petcube Cam can be a good way to keep an eye on their behavior and see what might be triggering the barking. Many people are surprised to see that their dog may be barking at specific triggers—like other dogs passing by or sounds from the street.
And if they’re alone a lot, it may just be that barking gives them something to do or helps them express how they’re feeling.
How Long Can a Dog Bark Before It Gets Tired
The answer depends a lot on the individual dog and the trigger. Some dogs seem to have endless energy when it comes to barking, while others may give up after a few minutes. The reason behind the barking often influences how long they can go.
For instance, low energy breeds like an English Mastiff tire out more quickly and take a nap, while energetic dogs barking from separation anxiety can go for hours.
Dr. Stanley Coren, an expert in canine behavior, explains that different types of barking can indicate different things. Dogs might give a single “hello” bark when they’re just greeting you, but “prolonged or incessant barking,” like a dog left alone for hours, is often a call for companionship or attention.
Dr. Coren writes that, “Prolonged or incessant barking, with moderate to long intervals between each utterance: "Is there anybody there? I'm lonely and need companionship." This is most often the response to confinement or being left alone for long periods of time.
This type of lonely barking can be really hard on a dog and usually doesn’t end until the dog’s person is back home.
In some cases, dogs can keep barking due to high levels of energy or stress, which can be common in certain breeds. Breeds like Border Collies, Jack Russells, and other working dogs often have more stamina and may be more prone to long sessions of barking, especially if they’re not given enough to do.
For these dogs, physical activity, especially exercise and playtime, and mental challenges, like puzzle toys or training exercises, can help reduce the urge to bark endlessly.
Can Dogs Lose Their Voice from Barking
Dogs can actually “lose their voice” if they bark too much. Just like people, dogs have vocal cords, and overuse can cause strain, leading to hoarseness or temporary loss of sound. If your dog has been barking a lot and you notice a change in their bark, like it’s sounding raspy or weak, it’s likely because their voice box is irritated. This should resolve on its own with some rest, but it’s a sign that they’ve been barking way too much.
In some cases, ongoing hoarseness could also mean an issue with the throat, such as gastroesophageal reflux, an inflamed larynx, or even more serious conditions like laryngeal paralysis. If your dog’s bark doesn’t return to normal after a few days of rest, a visit to the vet is a good idea.
Using a Petcube Cam 360 can be helpful to monitor your dog’s barking levels throughout the day. This way, you can see if they’re barking due to triggers around the house or simply out of boredom.
Conclusion
While dogs may seem tireless in their barking, it’s usually a sign of something more than just wanting to make noise. They may be feeling lonely, anxious, or even trying to protect their territory. And while it might seem like a solution to some, let’s remember that “debarking”—a surgery to stop a dog’s ability to bark—is not a humane option.
Debarking doesn’t address the reason behind the barking, and it robs a dog of their primary way to communicate. Instead, finding ways to reduce the stressors, provide more stimulation, or use tools like a Petcube Cam to identify specific triggers can make a big difference.