Poodle barks just like any other dog out there. Several triggers bring out a barking Poodle. For instance, the dog barking could begin from peculiar sounds, unusual sensations, loneliness, passing vehicles, excitement, strangers, and playfulness. Is barking natural for Poodles?
Barking is a decisive dog selection factor for many. Ceaselessly barking dogs could weigh on your nerves in a home environment. Hence, potential dog owners tend to avoid noisy family dogs.
Typically, the Poodle is a moderate barker. However, situational elements often prompt loud Poodle barking.
Does Poodle size determine its barking?
Small dogs bark a lot. Therefore, you may expect your Toy Poodle or Mini Poodle to become the loudest dog on the block.
Standard Poodle:
Standard Poodle has 18-24 inches of height at the shoulders. They weigh around 45-70 pounds or 20-31 kg.
Miniature Poodle
Miniature Poodles are Mini Poodles with 10-15 inches of height at the shoulders. They weigh 15-17 pounds or 7-8 kg.
Toy Poodle
This tiny Poodle has below 10 inches of height at the withers with around 6-9 pounds or 3-4 kg.
Size differences have little to do with their barking as they perform all the same on this front. Poodle companionship immediately delivers a clear message; they like to talk a lot. Toy poodle little does size matter in this regard.
What prompts Poodles to bark?
Poodles do plenty of communication. Their barking involves multiple issues. Let’s dig in.
Frustration:
Frustration sparks a noisy dog. A balanced routine helps deal with it. Regular walks, timely meals, and bedtime can address these concerns to a great length. A proper routine sheds the dog’s frustration. Your good understanding can tackle the situation.
Loneliness:
Poodles are companion dogs that love to shadow your footsteps. Extended loneliness breeds anxiety in them. Hence, they start barking to upset your next-door neighbors.
However, countless tricks can bolt the dog out of boredom.
You may give them interactive toys before leaving the house. Besides, durable chew toys keep them happy for hours. Also, someone can tend to the dog’s needs instead as you leave home.
Thuds and noises:
Nearby fireworks bamboozle a Poodle. Plus, thunderstorms could turn him crazy. These unsettling sounds prompt dog barking in general. No amount of training can suppress these fears.
Nonetheless, you can unleash calming tablets, use calming smells, and put dog ear protectors in place.
Protection:
Fear provokes barking. It signals troubles in the vicinity. They could be asking for help by barking. You can trace their soft voice in times of tranquility. Your calm disposition helps settle down the dog.
Jealousy:
Sociable Poodles love to make friends. So, your involvement or closeness with other animals and persons might trigger jealousy in the puppy. Then, barking is just attention-seeking.
Boredom:
Mental and physical stimulation removes dog boredom. Highly intelligent Poodles need massive entertainment. Otherwise, they become bored. Training, toys, chews, and exercise are good outlets to eliminate boredom.
Diverse symptoms speak of dog boredom, including scratching and biting. Sad and depressed feelings also derive from it. They chew on furniture and furnishings too. House training goes down the drain. Finally, you will notice excessive barking due to sadness.
New guests:
Guests could kindle your Poodle’s playful spirit. He becomes way more excited, leading to unusual barking. So, you need to prevent your guests from interacting with the puppy as they meet for the first time. Give the dog a minute to take the new reality in and approach him.
Besides, unfamiliar guests cause suspicion in his mind. You have to calm him down and provide a sense of safety. Assure the puppy that the guest is no threat.
Excitement:
Sporty Poodles are a highly playful dog breed. Seeing you give them great joy. Also, joining the other playmates in the park stimulates their playful souls.
Pain or illness:
The dog would not like your touch or approach to the painful area of his body. Physical issues drive the dog down the barking path. If everything else is checked and the dog continues barking, you must see the vet for physical pains and illnesses.
Meeting other puppies:
Highly socialized Poodles do not go for relentless barking on seeing another nearby dog. So, dog walks become peaceful for you. Excitement, aggression, and obsession drive the dog to bark at other puppies.
How to train a Poodle to stop barking?
Numerous bark-preventing methods can help you.
Ignore the Poodle:
First, you need to ignore the barking dog. If he is just seeking attention or validation, your primary non-responsive attitude shuts him. Otherwise, they feel encouraged to do the same in the future.
Positive reinforcement:
As the Poodle stops barking, give him a treat or toy. Repeated treats would associate silence with rewards and good behavior.
Eliminate provocations:
External triggers often get them down to mad barking. Try to minimize loud noises, strangers, etc to begin with. Besides, you can give him a safe space such as a crate to take shelter in times of apprehension.
Socialization:
Dog socialization at an early age pays off big time. Complete vaccination and socialization get them ready to meet the world. They are all set for meeting other dogs and humans. Familiar environments and people calm them down.
Toys:
Toys boost their mental and physical stimulation while removing boredom. Kong and chew toys can do a world of good to them.
Exercise:
Sufficient exercise eliminates barking. A tired dog is a good dog, as they say. Boredom, fear, or aggression cannot overcome fatigue. So, the dog remains cool even in adverse situations. Allow them a lot of playtime.
Why do Poodles bark at night?
Dogs have amazing smelling and hearing capacities. So they can pick up distant sounds and smells. Your Poodle might hear an animal in the backyard or see something unusual in the dark. Also, loneliness, boredom, inadequate feeding, minimum exercise, and scanty supervision can drive them nuts. You must reward them with companionship and appreciation.
Can I yell at a Poodle barking excessively?
Your gut response tells you to scream at the dog during these barking moments. But your yelling sounds like your participation in the shouting game to the puppy. Therefore, the Poodle feels encouraged to bark even more. Hence, you have to shun yelling at Poodles when they start barking.