We’ve all been there at least once or twice when your dog just won’t stop barking no matter what you do and how hard you try. It can be frustrating, embarrassing, and also worrying when you don’t know why your dog is barking. Since dogs can’t speak to us in human language, barking is one of the many ways they try to communicate with humans.  Trying to convince your dog to not bark when you’re not there can feel like a pretty big task, and you’re more likely to succeed if you know the reason for all the fuss in the first place. Here are five reasons why your dog won’t stop barking. 

1. Breed and Genetics 

Just like you may have inherited your mom’s great sense of style or your father’s flair for public speaking, your smallest family member has inherited some characteristics, too. Many small breeds and terriers are natural barkers. Many were bred specifically to bark so they can alert their owners of potential danger. As the genetics for barking were passed on, many dog breeds today will happily bark to alert their hoomans of any unusual noise. The problem is they might keep barking, even when you’re not around, because it’s what they’ve been bred for. Good dog training can help address this issue, so your dog can bark when you say it’s OK, but stay quiet the rest of the time. Some breeds are also more prone to separation anxiety, meaning that they might bark or whine continuously when left alone. 

Related Post: 10 Dog Breeds That Don't Tolerate Being Left Alone

2. Boredom

Nobody does well with boredom. While you can alleviate boredom by heading out or trying something new, your furbaby doesn’t have those options when you’re gone. Boredom can lead to barking, pacing, howling, and other challenging behaviors such as chewing up furniture. Some very intelligent breeds, such as border collies and retrievers, are naturally higher-energy and may be more prone to boredom. You may need to make sure your furry family member gets the exercise they need to keep them from getting too bored. A device like Furbo can help you keep your fur baby stimulated by checking in with them during the day and playing with them, even when you’re not home. 

3. Ordering you around 

Have you ever wondered, “Why does my dog bark at me every time I leave the house?” If you’re noticing your dog barking at you before you even leave, your sweet, furry family member may be trying to tell you he or she doesn’t want you to go. While this can be your dog telling you that they want to play more, it can also be an indication of separation anxiety. Dogs that are previously abandoned or surrendered to the shelter multiple times may be more prone to separation anxiety.

4. Territorial Feelings

Does your furbaby want you all to himself or herself? Does he or she bark at anyone or anything trying to encroach on “his” or “her” space, including squirrels and the mailman? If so, your furry buddy could be territorial, and that behavior likely continues as barking when you’re gone.

Neutering and good training can help keep territorial behaviors in check. Keeping your dog in a quiet part of the house and keeping curtains closed can also help. If your fur baby can’t see what’s happening outside the house, he or she may be less likely to get upset by it. 

5. Fear

Every dog gets scared by something, whether it’s a big thunderstorm or a visit to the vet. Some dogs are more anxious than others, possibly because they have been moved often or because they are rescues and have had a tough time of it in the past. Smaller dogs and fur babies who haven’t gotten socialized can also suffer from anxiety, which only gets worse when they’re alone. If your dog is fearful and nervous and tends to bark, he or she is likely barking when you’re not around. Getting training and socialization for your dog can help in these situations. When your fur baby is feeling more confident about the world around them, the barking will likely taper off.

Why It's Important to Stop Your Dog From Barking When They're Alone

There are several reasons you’ll want to make sure your dog doesn’t bark unnecessarily:

• It’s stressful for your dog to try to communicate with you for hours and to get no results.
• Your neighbors may be annoyed with you and your dog 
• Fixing barking means working to resolve a problem with your dog, which can bring your  relationship closer with your dog.
• You can prevent extreme problems, such as your dog resolving to destructional behaviours  to get your attention.
• Once your dog learns to not bark, they can spend their time alone more pleasantly, napping or playing.

What Can I Do If My Dog Barks When I Leave My Apartment or Home?

The biggest battle when you’re trying to figure out how to stop your dog barking when you're out is to determine whether your dog is indeed barking and how big the problem really is. Remember: Your furbaby is not barking to make problems or noise. This is his or her way to communicate with you. However, if you’re not home, then you won’t be able to hear and respond to those messages. 

Even a dog who doesn’t bark much when you’re not around may be trying to get your attention when you’re gone. The first order of business is to determine whether your dog is barking when you’re not around and to get clues as to why your fur baby is trying to get your attention.

The trouble is, many dog parents don’t really know what happens when they’re not home, meaning they’re just playing guessing games when it comes to figuring out when the dog barks and why. A potential solution to this problem can be hiring a dog sitter, sending your dog to doggy daycare, or simply buying a dog monitoring camera like Furbo! 

Furbo Dog Camera is a two-way communication camera that will connect you with your furbaby anytime, anywhere.

The main purpose of Furbo is so that owners can see, talk, and play with their dogs remotely. The HD night vision camera lets you see your pup clearly at any time of day or night. Additionally, Furbo was made entirely for dogs using AI to send important dog related alerts to owners such as barking alerts. By receiving alerts when your dog starts barking, you can see for yourself how often your dog is trying to communicate. Once you get an alert from Furbo, you can tune in to see exactly why your furry family member is barking. This gives you important clues about your dog’s behavior when you’re not home, so you can take steps to stop the dog from barking when alone.

Don’t be so quick to get annoyed when your pup is barking at you. The next time your dog is barking continuously, stop and check to see if there’s anything wrong with your furry friend. Pay close attention to the message your dog is trying to send whether that be separation anxiety, boredom, or fear. There are many ways in which you, as a dog owner, can regulate your dog’s barking behavior. If all else fails, don’t be afraid to contact a professional trainer or veterinarian about your dog’s barking behavior. Remember, your dog will never bark for no reason at all!