Barking Dogs Dogs bark. They make noise.  They use a variety of sounds to mention different things to different entities.  They use their voices to protect their territories, protest confinement, announce physical needs or relieve anxiety or boredom.  They bark when they want to play, or to just howl in harmony with other dogs at the moon.  When they are in harmony yelling at them rarely works because they think you are joining in the communal communication.  Ever notice dogs howling when a fire alarm goes off?  They howl to announce their location to the pack.  It’s instinctual.  They make noises to communicate like humans do.  We just have to understand, hopefully, and try different ways of alleviating the problem of continual barking or howling. To prevent territorial barking, keep your pooch away from windows or behind a privacy fence.   Check your dog’s needs.  Does it have the appropriate food, water, shade or warmth it needs for the day?  Do not fuss over your dog when you leave for work, play or shopping.  Leave it alone at least 15 minutes before you leave so he will not notice your absence as much.  Give your dog adequate chew toys to play with so it will not notice your leaving the house as much.  Exercise your dog on a daily basis or hire a dog walker.  A little daily exercise will help alleviate nuisance barking, along with any other behavior problems.  Sometimes, a dog barks just to release pent up energy.  Look at human children and recess time.  As they run outside for recess, they yell and talk and scream.  They are releasing the pent up energy they must contain while in the classroom environment.  Try some music.  Leave a radio or TV on while you are away.  That may keep it quiet as well as prevent some destructive behaviors.  “Music does soothe the savage beast.”  Say “NO” when your dog is on a leash and growls or barks.  Praise it when it stops barking.  Obedience classes cannot be stressed enough for an obedient dog is a happy one.  And, of course, spay or neuter your dog. Dogs interact in similar ways as humans.  They need to vocalize, but there are ways to help quiet the noise and give yourself and neighbors a peaceful time.  Some of our neighbors have infants and/or small children and waking them can spell disaster for the parents and that household.   Also, more and more people earn their living by working from home and continual barking can be very disruptive to one’s concentration.  If your dog is barking for long stretches of time, there is something wrong with his environment or routine.  Remember dogs do have a place and right to bark, within reason.