There’s nothing quite like getting a peaceful night’s sleep… until it’s shattered by the sound of your dog barking endlessly throughout the night. It might have left you frustrated and wondering how to stop your dog barking at night, especially if you’re sacrificing precious rest. 

Don’t worry, as in this blog we’ll explore the common reasons behind night-time barking and offer practical solutions so that everyone in your home gets the rest they deserve. We genuinely care about your dog’s health here at Green Pantry, and you can shop our natural dog food that helps to enhance their health and encourage a good routine. 

Ready to get a restful 8 hours? Let’s get into it… 

Why is my dog barking at night?

First of all, let’s get to grips with the reasons why your dog is barking, and more specifically, why at night. There are plenty of reasons why your dog might be barking at night, including:

• Territorial instincts
• Fear
• Boredom
• Loneliness
• Anxiety in your dog
• Underlying health conditions

Let’s have a look at some of these reasons in a bit more detail. 

Territorial instincts

Dogs have more heightened senses than humans, especially when it comes to hearing. This means that at night, when we’re peacefully asleep, dogs are more sensitive to outside noises such as cars, wildlife, and other dogs. Harsh weather conditions, such as thunder and lightning, are also triggering noises. Dogs are territorial animals, which means that they are alert to any sound in order to identify their territory – in this case, your home. If your dog is barking at night, they might be trying to warn you about potential threats or intruders, even if there isn’t any real danger. 

Fear and anxiety triggers

In some cases, your dog might be suffering from anxiety, which is more common than you may think. If your dog hears a loud noise, it might make them feel scared and uneasy, so they will bark to alert you to how they’re feeling. Dogs who have experienced trauma or abuse may also be more anxious and bark more. Puppies will also bark a lot at night, especially when you first bring them home, as they won’t be used to their new home and may feel anxious in an unfamiliar environment. Make sure you’re providing them with a controlled and comfortable environment to teach them their desired behaviour overnight. 

Your dog could also be suffering from separation anxiety, especially if they’re used to spending a lot of time with you and that suddenly changes due to work or personal commitments. Or, they might have previously shared a bed with you and you’re trying to encourage them to sleep separately. You can learn more about understanding and managing your dog’s anxiety here! 

Loneliness and boredom

Most of the time, dogs are social, active animals, so if they don’t receive enough attention throughout the day, this can lead them to bark a lot during the night. Your dog could be feeling lonely or bored, and therefore barking is a way to seek attention from you. Make sure that during the day you’re spending a lot of time with your companion and giving them the love and attention they deserve. Sometimes, your dog might learn that barking gets a reaction from you… Even if you’re just telling them to be quiet. 

For a lonely dog, any attention is good attention, and you’ll be reinforcing their barking behaviour. 

Medical issues

If your dog has only just suddenly started to bark at night, it could be a sign that there’s an underlying medical problem. Your dog could be in pain, discomfort, or generally feeling unwell. Check if your dog has any other symptoms, and please consult a veterinarian if you’re even slightly concerned. Older or senior dogs can start to have cognitive episodes of confusion, which may cause them to bark. They also might be more uncomfortable at night, especially if they’re suffering with stiff joints or muscle pain. 

How to stop your dog barking at night: Easy tips

Stopping your dog from barking at night can be a little bit of a challenge, but with enough patience and consistency, it’s definitely achievable! Here are some of our top tips for a quieter night: 

1. Increase their daily exercise – A tired dog is a well-behaved dog! Ensure that your dog is getting plenty of physical exercise during the day, including a good walk or play session in the evening before bedtime. This should tackle their feelings of boredom or loneliness during nighttime.
2. Establish a consistent bedtime routine – Dogs thrive on routine. A predictable and consistent routine can help signal to your dog that it’s time to wind down. This could include letting them out into the garden for a final wee, a calming cuddle, a short grooming session, or a quiet chew toy.
3. Consider calming supplements – Have you ever considered natural dog supplements? At Green Pantry, we offer a natural calming supplement that can help to reduce anxiety in stress, which can be particularly useful for nighttime barking. Whether they’re scared of thunderstorms or struggle with separation anxiety, one small sprinkle of this supplement can help to support their emotional well-being.
4. Don’t address attention-seeking barking – Any attention, even negative attention like shouting, can reinforce your dog’s barking at night. When your dog does bark for attention, do your best to ignore them completely. This means no eye contact and no going to them!
5. Know when to consult a professional – If you have tried these tips consistently and your dog is still barking at night, you might want to seek help from a qualified dog behaviourist or trainer. They will be able to offer tailored advice and support. 

Steve from DB Dog Training, a dog owner and qualified trainer, recommends that when it comes to your dog barking at night, owners need to consider the causes, which may be boredom, anxiety, underlying medical problems or simply some additional training. 

“Assess what triggers cause the barking, whether it is being left alone or fear of darkness. 

Formulate a plan for your own circumstances to try and address the barking. 

• Illness or pain is the first thing to check. Remember that as dogs get older, they may suffer from cognitive issues, which can cause random barking which you have not experienced before. 
• Leaving a light on where your dog sleeps can alleviate the stress. 
• Train, treat, and reward where they sleep to make the location a positive environment. 
• Even consider leaving music or a radio playing to stop the possible anxiety your dog feels from being separated.”

Encourage a sleepy pup with the natural help of Green Pantry

Hopefully, this blog has taught you how to stop your dog barking at night. With enough patience, consistency, and a holistic approach to your dog’s well-being, you’ll be on your way to a peaceful night’s sleep in no time! Remember, excessive barking is often a cry for help and usually points out underlying anxieties and unorganised routines. 

At Green Pantry, we believe that a healthy dog is a happy dog, and this often starts with their diet. Our holistic approach towards pet nutrition sets us apart from other dog food brands, and you can count on us to use 100% natural ingredients in every recipe. 

Need more info? Please contact us, or chat with us on the phone by calling 01553 811 320. We’d be more than happy to welcome you and your furry friend on board!