Dogs often bark to warn of potential danger or to express their territory. If your dog hears or smells something out of the ordinary, they might bark for either of those reasons. Dogs also like to bark when they hear other canine friends in the area. If your dog hears another pup bark from all the way down the street, they might just be barking to say “hi. ”[3] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source

This barking will be “random,” but it’ll most likely happen when you’re about to leave home. Separation anxiety often happens when a dog experiences some sort of major transition, like a move, a birth or death in the family, or a trip to a kennel or vet office.

Think where your dog is when they start barking, along with what time of day it is. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source These factors might play into your dog’s seemingly random barking fit. The frequency of your dog’s barks can clue you into their mood, too. An isolated bark might indicate surprise or annoyance, while a series of barks indicates a stronger, more intense emotion. Quick, rapid barks often correlate with aggression. If your dog seems to be barking nonstop, they might be feeling tense or aggressive[10] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source

If your dog barks every night around 8:00 PM, you might switch on a box fan and see if the noise helps your dog calm down.

You can also get a pheromone-diffusing collar for your dog, as well as a bottle of sprayable pheromones. Pheromone collars are good for about 4 weeks, while a single spritz of pheromone spray is good for around 4 hours.

Whenever your dog barks at nothing in the future, use the “Quiet” command to get them to calm down.

If your dog refuses to quiet down, give them a basic command, like “sit. ”[16] X Research source

Take your dog on longer walks if they still seem rammy and full of bored, pent-up energy. Puzzle toys, obedience training sessions, and scent-related games are other great ways to tire out your dog. Your dog’s age and breed both factor into how much exercise they need. [18] X Research source

Stair gates can go at the bottom or top of a staircase, or inside of a doorframe. They have large, wide slats that allow your dog to see (and smell!) out. Call your vet or a canine behaviorist if your dog continues to struggle with separation anxiety.

Not totally sure if your dog is injured? Call up your vet and let them know what symptoms you’re noticing. They can give you an expert opinion on whether your dog needs medical attention or not.

These types of collars only stop barking at the moment, too. They won’t change your dog’s barking habits in the long-term.

Always use a basket muzzle if you need to muzzle your dog for a long stretch of time. These muzzles are much larger than soft ones and give your pup plenty of room to slurp water, nibble on small treats, and pant. [24] X Trustworthy Source Animal Humane Society Leading animal welfare nonprofit organization providing medical care, training education, and resources for animal owners Go to source