A veterinary nurse has shed light on why your dog might be barking more than usual.
Offering reassurance to pet owners, the expert stressed people shout not panic and understand that barking is a completely natural behavior for all dogs. While it may not be possible to eliminate it entirely, understanding the underlying causes can help reduce barking.
Rachel Garbutt, a Registered Veterinary Nurse at Butternut Box, is focused on helping both pets and owners lead calmer lives. She explained: “Barking is completely normal communication.
But in late summer, with neighbourhoods busier and family routines changing, it can quickly tip into excess. The aim isn’t to stop dogs from barking, but to ease the triggers that make life stressful for both pets and people.”
Why is my dog barking so much?
1. Street noise and foot traffic
Rachel explains that the back-to-school season often brings a “sudden rush of people – children heading to school, buses, bikes, and neighbours walking dogs. For territorial dogs, this can be a lot to process at once.”
She suggests that small adjustments, such as closing the blinds or playing white noise during busy periods, can make a big difference. “Once things are calmer, you can reintroduce window-watching slowly, using it as a training opportunity to reward calm behaviour.”
2. Delivery drivers and doorbells
People will be doing shopping this month whether it’s for a late summer holiday, school supplies or garden furniture – frequent deliveries can make doorbells feel like constant triggers for dogs.
Rachel reveals that “many owners don’t realise that the adrenaline from one barking episode can take 20 minutes or more to subside, so several deliveries in a day leave dogs feeling constantly on edge. Training a calm ‘door routine’ helps enormously – for example, calling your dog to a set spot away from the door and rewarding them there turns the whole moment into something predictable and positive.”
3. Other dogs
In her third suggestion, she notes that another trigger can be something called “cascade barking”. She notes: “With open windows and lighter evenings, dogs hear each other more clearly.
Closing windows during peak times or playing gentle background music helps reduce the impact, and specially designed canine playlists can be surprisingly effective. It’s about lowering the overall stimulation so your dog doesn’t feel the need to join in every barking chorus.”
4. Changes in routine and alone time
Following a summer filled with constant companionship, the start of the school term can leave dogs suddenly spending more time alone. For dogs in this situation, Rachel notes that it can often result in stress and “barking for attention.”
She recommends gradually building up to longer absences by starting with shorter separations. One of the best things you can do is practise shorter separations before longer ones are needed.
Giving your dog an interactive treat or puzzle feeder as you leave helps create a positive link with alone time, so they’re not just waiting by the door for you to return.”
5. Overexcitement in the garden
Late-summer barbecues, outdoor games and kids playing in the garden can all be a lot for dogs to handle, says Rachel. “The high-pitched noises and sudden movements can be particularly stimulating.
That’s why it’s so important to provide a calm indoor retreat – somewhere with soft bedding, fresh water, and familiar toys. “When dogs have the option to step away, they can regulate themselves and relax when the excitement feels too much.”
She suggests stimulating exercises, not that “enrichment can also play a big role. Licky mats, snuffle mats, and puzzle toys are great ways to keep your dog’s mind engaged, helping them stay occupied and less focused on the noise outside.”