As a result of dogs’ attention-grabbing nature, barking is possibly the most obvious. Even though puppies have cute vocalizations, you might be curious about when they start to bark. Puppies can start to bark between the ages of 7 to 16 weeks old. For more information on your puppy’s barking, read this article.

Why Do Puppies Bark

Barking is primarily a form of communication, though it can be brought on by a variety of different things. It’s crucial to pay attention when your dog tries to get your or other dogs’ attention. However, encouraging it is not a good idea.

Dogs and puppies can bark in a wide variety of different ways. While some of these do call for your attention, others—the ones you don’t want to encourage—are merely ingrained behaviors.

When playing, excited, alert, or warning you of danger, dogs and puppies commonly bark. However, barking is not always indicative of aggression in dogs because they can also bark out of boredom, stress, frustration, and habit.

We must be very clear that a dog barking does not imply aggression or a threat. Most frequently, it is an alarm or warning signal meant for their family, whether they are canine or human.

Knowing when a dog will start to bark is important for understanding their development because of how important it is to a dog’s life. The puppy stage is when barking starts.

When Do Puppies Start Barking

Many first-time dog guardians wonder when their puppy will start barking for the first time. In the first few weeks of life, a puppy will start vocalizing. Having the ability does not guarantee that they will act right away, though.

Similar to humans, a dog’s first bark will sound very different from its adult bark. The same holds true for other vocalizations like growling or howling.

Around 6 weeks or so, the puppy will have practiced their vocalizations to the point they can create their first bark. This is only an average timeframe; some dogs will mature more quickly than others.

The same as adult dogs, puppies can bark for a variety of reasons. However, a large portion of their vocalization will be incorporated into their learning process.

A puppy will make sounds to communicate with its surroundings, much like a human baby does to learn a language. They might be calling out to us, their mother, or to let us know they want to play with their siblings.

How Do You Stop Puppies From Barking All The Time

As a result, an older puppy’s propensity for barking can easily start to annoy owners and neighbors alike, especially if they are left alone for extended periods of time. You might not want your puppy to begin persistently barking at visitors or the door.

While anxious puppies may bark at any unexpected noises when left alone, particularly boisterous puppies can bark all day long and never seem to get tired of doing it.

Another reason a puppy might bark is separation anxiety, which frequently accompanies other undesirable behaviors like vandalism (like peeing on furniture).

Although this might not be a concern for owners who reside in a quiet neighborhood, it can be a hassle for owners who reside in cities or busy residential areas. Dogs eventually mature into adulthood, and if habitual barking is not addressed, it may get worse as they age.

How To Control Puppies’ Barking

Property Destruction

Knowing what initially set off our dog’s excessive barking will help us stop it in its tracks. We might be able to identify what’s wrong and calm them down when we’re right next to them. However, some dogs only bark when they are left alone, a behavior that may also involve property damage.

The barking starts whenever we leave them for any length of time; sometimes it doesn’t stop until we get back. This is known as separation anxiety. increasing the amount of time you spend with them, removing stressors, improving their surroundings, and providing mental stimulation. 

Doorbell

The presence of strangers could also be a contributing factor in puppies barking excessively. When we have visitors, our excited dogs will bark at the door or when they hear the doorbell.

In this case, the barking frequently indicates the bond you two have. As they perceive the visitor, they are attempting to warn us of a potential threat. In addition, they might merely be anticipating a new visitor and be thrilled.

Obedience training is crucial because of these kinds of reactions. Barking can be made less of an annoyance by telling them to sit and rewarding calm behavior.

Underlying Medical Problem

An issue with territoriality may also be present when a dog barks at strangers. This may, in the worst cases, escalate to aggression. It is imperative to limit visitors while this problem is being fixed.

We must first take them to the veterinarian to make sure there is no underlying medical condition. Then, in order to help them change their behavior patterns, it will be necessary to contact a canine behavior expert. Another option in these circumstances is to spay or neuter the dog.

when do puppies start barking

Use The Word ‘No’

If we intervene when they first start barking rather than when it has intensified, it will be simpler to stop excessive barking.

Since they frequently are unsure of the appropriate context in which to use the word “no,” saying it can be counterproductive. Barking is a problem, and scowling can make it worse.

Phobia Of Certain Objects

Sometimes it is impossible to pinpoint the reason why a dog or puppy is barking. This is because they are barking in response to stimuli that are invisible to us. However, we must make an effort to discover it or, at the very least, to divert and calm ourselves when it occurs.

Additionally, the excessive barking may result from a phobia of a particular object. We will need to make the necessary corrections as this is typically the result of inadequate socialization during the puppy stage.

Congratulate Them

Keep your cool if a dog on the street barked at passersby. We should stop and command them to sit still rather than yanking at the strap and berating them. As soon as they comply, congratulate them or give them a treat.

After a general checkup at the vet, behavioral modification sessions may be necessary for more severe situations where the dog is aggressive.

We need to consider the development of a puppy because a puppy going outside for the first time will probably just bark out of excitement.

Why Doesn’t My Dog Bark

Breed Disposition

Even though it’s uncommon to find a dog that doesn’t bark, some breeds are less vocal than others. Among the list of peaceful dog breeds put together by Purina are:

  • Akita
  • Australian Shepherd
  • Basenji
  • Bulldog
  • Greyhound
  • Papillon
  • St. Bernard
  • Whippet

and many more.

Your Dog’s Personality Or Training

A dog may occasionally prefer not to bark frequently, regardless of breed. This can start when your dog is a puppy or when he reaches adulthood and starts to lose some of his puppy energy.

Age-related behavioral changes can occur in even senior dogs, but if they appear to occur suddenly, a veterinarian should be consulted.

Anxiety Or New Situations

When put in a new situation, some dogs are much less vocal and more likely to be completely themselves.

Be understanding if your pup initially seems a little too quiet; he might just need some time to adjust to big changes, like moving to a new home. If the issue continues, anxiety may play a role, especially if your pet is well-known for his voice.