Why Does My Dog Bark in the Morning? (+How to Stop!)
“Why does my dog bark in the morning?” Are you being woken up by your dog’s early morning barking sessions? Today, we’ll unravel the reasons behind this early morning wake-up call. From understanding the general behavior of dogs barking in the morning to addressing specific issues like barking in the crate, this article is packed with solutions.
We’ll explore how changes in bedtime routines can affect your dog’s morning behavior and provide you with practical techniques, including the effective use of the “Quiet” command, to ensure peaceful mornings. If your dog tends to bark or whine in their crate every morning, we have tips for keeping them calm and strategies to stop this behavior. Keep reading!
Why Does My Dog Bark in the Morning?
Your dog barks in the morning due to external stimuli like noise or light, a need for attention, or simply because of their internal biological clock. It could be a reaction to the morning activities happening around them or a signal that they need to go outside for a bathroom break. For some dogs, early morning barking might be a sign of excess energy that needs to be burned off.
Why Do Dogs Bark in the Morning?
Dogs bark in the morning often due to habit, environmental triggers, or physical needs. The morning usually brings about changes in the household, like people getting up, outside noises becoming more frequent, and the household becoming active.
For some dogs, barking in the morning might be a learned behavior that gets them attention or signifies that it’s time for their morning walk or feeding. Others might bark due to discomfort or health issues that are more noticeable after a night’s rest.
Dog Barking in the Morning: Bedtime Changes
Altering your dog’s bedtime routine can influence their morning barking habits. Ensuring they have enough physical and mental stimulation throughout the day can lead to a more restful sleep, reducing the likelihood of early morning barking.
Consider an evening walk or playtime to tire them out. Also, assess their sleeping environment. A comfortable, quiet space away from disturbances might help reduce their urge to bark early in the morning.
How to Stop Dog Barking in Morning
- Identify Triggers: Observe what causes your dog to bark in the morning. It could be external noise, the need for a bathroom break, or wanting attention.
- Teach the ‘Quiet’ Command: When your dog barks, calmly say “Quiet” and wait for them to stop barking. Once they stop barking, even for a brief moment, immediately reward them with a treat and praise. If they resume barking, repeat the command. Be patient and consistent. Practice this regularly in various situations to reinforce the training.
- Adjust Morning Routine: If your dog barks for attention or because it’s their usual time to eat or go out, try changing your morning routine. This might mean feeding or walking them before they usually start barking.
- Provide Stimulation: Ensure your dog has enough stimulation and exercise the previous day. A tired dog is less likely to wake up early and bark.
Dogs bark in the morning for various reasons, from environmental triggers to established routines. These steps will help stop morning barking, but it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issues (anxiety, demand barking, territoriality, etc.) that were causing all of this to begin with will still be present.
And until you address those, any positive changes you see will only be temporary.
“Well, how do I make these changes last?”
By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.
The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like your dog barking every morning and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.
In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about why your dog barks in the morning ever again!
Dog Barking in Crate in Morning
Dogs barking in their crate in the morning often stems from excitement, anxiety, or the need to relieve themselves after a long night. Understanding the reason behind this behavior is crucial to addressing it effectively. It’s important to ensure that your dog’s crate is a comfortable and positive space and that their physical and emotional needs are met.
Dog Barking and Whining in Crate Every Morning
If your dog barks and whines in their crate every morning, it could be due to a variety of reasons. They might be alerting you to their need to go outside for a bathroom break, expressing eagerness to start the day, or feeling anxious about being confined.
Some dogs may also bark out of habit if they have come to expect a certain routine, like an early morning walk or feeding immediately after waking up. Dogs can tell roughly what time it is based on environmental clues. Teaching your dog the “quiet” command will help; you can learn it now in the first section.
How to Keep Dog Calm in Crate
Keeping a dog calm in their crate involves creating a positive and comfortable environment. Ensure the crate is cozy with suitable bedding and located in a quiet area away from disturbances. Introducing crate training gradually can also help your dog associate the crate with positive experiences.
Providing a favorite toy or a treat-dispensing puzzle toy can keep them occupied and help reduce anxiety. Consistency in your morning routine can also aid in making them feel secure and calm.
How to Stop Dog Barking in Crate in the Morning
To stop your dog from barking in their crate in the morning, first address their basic needs. Ensure they are not barking to communicate a need to go outside or because they are hungry. Gradually extending the time they spend in the crate and providing quiet-time activities can help.
If the barking is attention-seeking, avoid reinforcing the behavior by responding immediately. Instead, wait for a moment of quiet before letting them out or giving them attention. With consistency and patience, most dogs can learn to stay calm in their crate in the morning.
You’re probably ready to get going now that you have all of your questions about early morning dog barking answered, so I’ll let you get started on things. Good luck, and thanks for checking out our article “Why Does My Dog Bark in the Morning? (+How to Stop!)”.