Help! My Dogs Won’t Stop Barking! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Hi Dr. Paola,
Our dogs, Harriet and Flora, bark all the time because they are bored. Every passing car or person is barked at all the time. I can’t entertain them all day. What to do ?I have tried the hand-held no-bark noise mechanism and the no-bark collar. Thank you.“ – Mary
Quick Info about Harriet and Flora
Hi Mary.
It sounds like Harriet and Flora are expressing a mix of boredom and frustration through their barking, which is common when dogs feel understimulated or lack a clear understanding of what’s expected of them. While tools like no-bark collars or handheld deterrents might temporarily interrupt the behavior, they don’t address the root cause and can actually increase anxiety if the dogs don’t understand what they should be doing instead. It’s like trying to quiet a crying child without addressing why they’re upset; it may work in the moment, but the underlying need is still unmet.
Rather than relying on deterrents, the most effective and compassionate long-term solution is to enrich their environment and build in structured mental engagement. You don’t need to entertain them all day, but small, consistent changes can make a big difference. Remember that dogs need daily walks to release any pent-up energy. Try incorporating short daily training sessions that use positive reinforcement and reward calm behavior. Scatter feeding, food puzzles, and scent games are excellent outlets for their natural instincts and can be set up once and left for them to work through. Teaching a “quiet” cue and reinforcing it when they pause barking, even for a second, helps give them an alternative behavior that earns your attention. Also, blocking their visual access to triggers outside, such as using window film or keeping them in a quiet room during peak traffic times, can significantly reduce the need to bark.
Addressing barking is not about silencing your dogs, but about helping them feel more relaxed and purposeful in their environment. If you’re ever unsure about the best approach for your individual dogs, a professional positive reinforcement trainer can be a great support they have the knowledge and experience to help create a tailored plan that is specific for your dogs in their unique environment.
Best wishes,
– Dr. Paola