How to Get a Dog to Stop Barking at Night: Expert-Approved Solutions

If your dog’s barking at night is keeping you and your neighbors up, you’re not alone. In many cases, dogs bark at night in response to sounds or other stimuli that make them feel like their territory is being threatened. To stop your dog from barking at night, you can try reducing outside stimuli by closing windows and blinds, rewarding your dog when they stop barking, and, if all else fails, using crate training or anti-bark collars.

In addition to covering these and other proven ways to stop your dog from barking at night, we’ll share tips from dog trainers and behaviorists about how to get to the bottom of the issues that are causing your dog to bark at night in the first place. With this information and the right techniques, you can help your dog become a quieter, better-behaved pet.

Positive Reinforcement Training Techniques

Positive reinforcement training is the go-to method for many dog behaviorists and trainers and is often cited as the most effective and humane way to stop excessive barking. As The Humane Society explains, giving your dog treats or praise when they don't bark is a way to positively reinforce the behavior you want to see. You can also use this method to teach your dog a verbal command, such as 'quiet,' and then reward them when they follow your command instead of barking.

PetMD recommends using positive interrupters, such as saying your dog's name, to get them to stop barking when they hear a trigger. Then, you can reward them for stopping when you use the interrupter. You can also work on increasing the difficulty of the training by adding in distractions. This will help your dog learn to stay calm and not bark even when they hear or see something that would normally trigger them.

As Positively.com points out, it's important to be consistent and patient. Over time, you can use positive reinforcement to reward your dog for not barking and ignore them when they do bark. You can also use other activities to keep your dog occupied and distracted from the things that make them bark. Punishment-based training methods can make barking worse by causing your dog stress and fear, so it's best to stick to positive reinforcement. With time and effort, you can use positive reinforcement to train your dog out of their barking habits in ways that are tailored to their specific triggers and needs.

Environmental Management and Enrichment

Ensuring that your dog gets enough physical and mental stimulation throughout the day is key to minimizing their energy levels and barking at night. As Wagr Petcare points out, "A tired dog is more likely to rest when you're not at home." In addition, sticking to a schedule and maintaining a consistent routine, including a calming bedtime routine, can help promote relaxation.

It's also essential to create a safe, comfortable sleeping environment for your dog that's free from outside disturbances like noise and light. The American Kennel Club suggests that the dog's sleeping area be "quiet" and "distraction-free." In addition, using calming products like pheromone diffusers and white noise machines can help reduce anxiety and distractions that can lead to barking.

Providing your dog with mentally stimulating toys and puzzles can also help stave off boredom and prevent barking that's motivated by a desire for attention, according to Wagr Petcare. By ensuring that your dog's physical and mental needs are met through exercise, schedules, and enrichment, you can create an environment that's more conducive to rest and less likely to lead to excessive barking at night.

Soundproofing Solutions for Nighttime Barking

Acoustic panels, curtains, and window inserts can help minimize the transmission of sound from barking within the home. For example, The Curious Coconut says that adding acoustic panels to her bedroom was "one of the absolute BEST things" she did to improve sleep quality by blocking 70% of outdoor noise.

In addition, outdoor soundproofing barriers, such as fencing or landscaping, can help block the sound of barking from nearby dogs. Residential Acoustics suggests adding reinforced mass loaded vinyl to shared fences to diffract and dissipate sound waves from barking.

Weatherstripping around doors and windows can help reduce sound leakage, as noted by Soundproof Direct. Meanwhile, white noise machines or soft music can help cover up the sound of barking and create a soothing atmosphere, according to Audimute.

While these soundproofing solutions can help, the most effective way to stop disruptive nighttime barking is to use them in combination with training and environmental management techniques. This way, you can tackle the problem from all sides and bring peace and quiet back to your home.

Separation Anxiety and Loneliness

Another common reason for excessive barking at night is separation anxiety or loneliness when alone, according to Jim's Dog Wash. To help your dog get used to being alone, you can work on desensitization by leaving for short periods of time during the day, says Suburban K9. You can also make sure your dog has plenty of toys and puzzles to play with while you're gone to keep them mentally engaged, according to K&H Pet Products.

Crate training or allowing your dog to sleep in your room can help reduce anxiety, according to K&H Pet Products. For more severe cases, you may want to work with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist, says Suburban K9. However, with the right training and support, you can help your dog learn to stop barking when they're alone and enjoy a peaceful night's sleep.

Getting Professional Help and Medical Attention

If your dog’s nighttime barking is excessive and nothing seems to help, it may be time to get professional help. As Suburban K9 explains, a certified dog trainer or behaviorist can offer personalized help and training plans that address the specific causes.

In addition, Suburban K9 suggests talking to your vet to make sure there are no medical issues that are causing your dog to bark at night. This is especially important for older dogs, who may need extra help and care to deal with cognitive or physical issues, according to Whole Dog Journal.

Changing learned behaviors can be a long and sometimes difficult process, so Jim's Dog Wash stresses the importance of patience and consistency. However, with the right professional help and a holistic approach, you can help bring peace and quiet back to your home.

Conclusion: How to Get Back to Sleep

Dealing with barking at night will require a combination of solutions that are specific to your dog. Figure out what's causing the barking in the first place, whether it's boredom, anxiety, or something else. Then, use positive reinforcement training, as suggested by The Humane Society, environmental management techniques, as described by Wagr Petcare, and soundproofing methods, as explained by The Curious Coconut.

Remember that it will take time and consistency to change your dog's behavior. If you're still having trouble after trying these solutions, as recommended by Suburban K9, you may need to get professional help to make sure that your dog is happy and that you can get a good night's sleep.