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Why Do Dogs Bark at Nothing?

So, you’re trying to finish up some important work but your dog won’t let you concentrate. He keeps barking at the window, even though you’ve checked and there’s nothing outside. Perplexed by what’s going on? Here are some clues as to why dogs bark at nothing.

Why do dogs bark at nothing outside?

It often comes down to their senses – sight, sound, and smell. Dogs will often bark when there’s “seemingly” nothing outside. But dogs can see things you cannot see, hear things you cannot hear, and smell things you cannot smell.

Dogs can hear better than us

For example, a dog can hear a wider range of frequencies than humans. This means some high-pitched sounds and very soft sounds which are inaudible to you are heard loud and clear by your pooch. So, your dog could actually be barking in response to something like squeaking mouse that you haven’t heard.

Dogs can see better than us

Dogs also have better low-light vision than humans because of more rods (light detecting cells) in their eyes. Even when it appears pitch dark to you outside, your dog can make out shapes and movements. So, if your dog is barking at a dark and empty backyard, it’s probably because he has seen something you haven’t. It could even be a lurking intruder and is worth checking out.

Dogs can smell better than us

A dog’s sense of smell is several thousand times more developed than ours. Dogs not only have more olfactory cells to capture smells but also a bigger area in the brain to interpret smells. There is also a special organ called the vomeronasal organ in a dog’s nose that they use to smell pheromones. In fact, smell is the primary sense for dogs, like vision is for humans. Some breeds of dogs like bloodhounds have an even more incredible ability to sniff out scents. If your dog is barking at nothing, it could be because she has picked up a scent that’s escaped your attention. The barking could be to alert you to danger or simply to say, “Let’s have fun with this interesting smell.”

Some dog breeds bark more than others

Some breeds of dogs are louder than others. We’re looking at you, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Terriers, Siberian Huskies, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Beagles, and Basset Hounds. These breeds are known to bark loudly and even howl like a siren.

Why do dogs bark at nothing at night?

Dogs bark at nothing at night because there is actually something out there that they are seeing or hearing that you’re not. As mentioned, dogs have better low-light vision and smell sense compared to humans.

Other possible reasons your dog barks at night include not feeling well, wanting your attention, or needing the bathroom. Also, barking is contagious, and sometimes dogs will bark at night in response to other dogs in the neighborhood that are barking loudly.

Why is my dog barking at nothing outside the window?

Your dog might be barking at nothing outside the window because they’ve seen or heard an animal that you haven’t noticed and they want to alert you to its presence. Other reasons your dog barks at nothing outside the window include:

  • Boredom (here are some tips on keeping your dog busy)
  • Loneliness and separation anxiety
  • Fear (this can manifest as whining accompanied by other body language like getting into a fetal position)
  • Restlessness due to inadequate exercise and play
  • Attention seeking behavior (demand barking)

Why does my dog randomly bark at me?

If your dog randomly barks at you, it is probably to get your attention or alert you to a need such as hunger, thirst, or wanting a bathroom break. However, if your dog is barking at you all the time, it could mean he or she needs some re-training. Ignore the barking as much as possible so that your dog does not associate with a way of getting your attention. Teach your dog a quiet command such as “hush” or “quiet.” Reward your dog with a treat and praise him every time he responds to the cue.

Why is my dog suddenly barking and growling?

Your dog could be suddenly barking and growling to alert you of danger. This can happen if you have visitors in your home that are strangers to your dog. This is just your dog’s way of recognizing a potential threat and also of being territorial (trying to show everyone who’s the boss around here).

How to stop a dog barking at nothing?

Punishing your dog for barking at nothing can often backfire and make the problem worse by creating anxiety. Instead of shouting at your dog to stop barking, acknowledge that there’s a reason for the barking that your dog thinks is worthy of your attention. So, for example, you could say to your dog “I know” or “thank you” to show that you appreciate the vigilance and reassure that things are under control. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to get your dog to stop barking.

If your dog continues to bark despite reassurance, it could be that they want to chase whatever animal they’ve seen, heard, or smelled. Training your dog to respond to a “quiet” command usually works. It tells your dog that this is not the time to chase after something and you want her to be quiet.

Positive reinforcement training can be useful for problem barkers. This means rewarding silence with a treat so that it’s worthwhile for your dog to shut up. If your dog barks in response to the doorbell or phone ringing, this strategy should work well. Say “quiet” firmly, and when your dog stops barking, pop a treat in her mouth.

Another strategy to stop a dog barking at nothing is redirection. Give your dog his favorite toy to take his attention away from unnecessary barking.

16 January, 2023