Labradoodles are communicative and very vocal dogs. So, do Labradoodles bark a lot?
However, this does not mean that they bark a lot. They are considered moderate barkers and fall under the mild-barkers category. Like most other breeds, your Labradoodle will bark for a reason.
The Labradoodle has become a popular breed and a favorite for most first-time dog owners. The breed is a cross between a Poodle and a Labrador.
Both parents combine to give a dog breed that is smart, loyal, playful, and friendly. If you are looking for an ideal addition to your family, look no further.
However, it is important to understand more about your Labradoodle before deciding to bring it home.
Since every dog is unique, understanding the habits, personality, and behavior (both bad and good) is important.
Labradoodles are kind, gentle, and among the highly socialized pets. Their barking will not be an issue if they get proper socialization and training. Keep reading to learn more.
Common Causes For Labradoodle Barking
Even the calmest dog breeds are known to bark at some point. Therefore, Labradoodles can not be an exception.
Barking is part of being a dog and is one way of telling their owners something. A dog that does not bark should be more concern than one that barks.
Since Labradoodles are considered mild-bakers, it is important to know the reason behind their barking. Here are the common causes of Labradoodle barking.
Attention
Like humans or other creatures, dogs love attention and will do something if they feel they are being ignored or neglected.
If you do not spend much time with your furry friend, you will notice that the pet will start developing some behaviors that are aimed at getting your attention.
Some Labradoodles will become annoyingly playful and even try stealing your items. They might even try to chew on some furniture just to get your attention.
These behavioral shifts can also be accompanied by barking, especially if you are around.
When your Labradoodle barks, your first reaction will be to stop and find out what is bothering them.
Boredom
Boredom is one of the major causes of barking in Labradoodles. These affectionate dogs enjoy being in the company of their keepers or close to their families.
Your furry friend can develop separation anxiety if left alone at home. This is common to individuals who have Labradoodles but work away from home.
Labradoodles are social creatures that love human interaction and company. This means they can become bored quickly if they are not provided with adequate physical and mental stimulation.
While some dogs will exhibit this frustration through chewing and other destructive behaviors, others will bark and moan.
Barking is a way of expressing themselves and calling their handlers back. This condition can be a bit challenging.
First, you will need to help and support your distressed dog to reduce boredom and desire to bark.
Another problem is that your neighbors will not be happy with the disturbances caused by your dog’s barking.
Therefore, you will need to train your furry friend and find a way to minimize barking if you are going to leave it alone at home.
Fear
Labradoodles are usually sensitive to flashes and loud noises. This may include loud music from the neighborhood, thunderstorms, or fireworks.
Therefore, you should not be surprised if your furry friend starts aggressive barking during stormy weather or during celebrations.
Fortunately, barking because of such fears will stop once the fireworks parties have ended or the storm has passed, and peace is restored.
Pain Or Medical Condition
If your Labradoodle is sick or in pain, it might yap, whine, or bark in response to the pain stimulus.
This can be common to Labradoodles that suffer from arthritis, and sudden movements cause shooting pains through their joints.
Older Labradoodles suffering from age-related degeneration may also turn into night barkers.
Like elderly humans, older Labradoodles may get confused with their surroundings when everything is dark. Failing eyesight also means a red alert.
Stranger Danger
If your Labradoodle takes after its Labrador retriever parents, it will likely be wary and aloof when meeting strangers in the streets.
Like most other dog breeds, your Labradoodle will bark if it feels a new person may be a threat to your or to the family. The barking is meant to warn the stranger to back off.
Labradoodles have been known to bark at strangers in the streets whenever they feel their owner is in danger.
They can also bark at your guests if they do not know them well. It is good to socialize your furry friend with other members of the family or even close friends.
Excitement
Your furry friend can also bark out of joy. This will occur when they get excited, especially when they have not seen their owners for a while.
They will also get excited if there is a new toy or when a friend comes over. You do not have to worry if your furry friend barks because of joy. The barking will stop once your friend calms down.
Training Your Dog To Stop Barking
While barking is normal, and all dogs are meant to bark, excessive barking can be a disturbance in the neighborhood.
Fortunately, there are several ways you can try to stop your Labradoodle from barking or control barking. Here are some of them.
Early Socialization
One of the best ways to stop your furry friend from barking is through early socialization.
Socializing your puppy around different places, people, sounds, and other things at an early age will make him comfortable when it comes across those things in the future.
It will do away with barking out of anxiety or fear.
Labradoodles are known to be friendly and playful dogs. They will enjoy playing with kids and other pets.
Therefore, if you have kids around, you can allow them to play freely with your furry friend. You can also socialize with other people, places, and sounds by taking them for a walk in the streets.
Ignore the Barking
In some cases, your Labradoodle could be barking to get attention regardless of the type of bark.
These dogs are known to crave human attention and companionship. The best you can do in such cases is to ignore their barking.
If your furry friend fails to get the attention he wants, he will most likely stop barking. It can even be better if your reward their silence.
When they stop barking, you can reward them with a treat, give them a hug, or praise. You should not give your Labradoodle a treat while he is still backing.
That way, he will think you are rewarding the behavior and will get used to it.
Eliminate or Get Them Used to Triggers
Labradoodles will just bark because of anything strange or any triggers within their territory.
If a certain situation is causing your furry friend to bark a lot, and you can eliminate it, be sure to do away with it as soon as possible.
For instance, if your Labradoodle is barking a lot when in the company of another pet, you can try to separate them.
If you cannot eliminate the trigger, you can try to get your dog used to it.
For instance, if your dog is barking when near a cat, you can socialize the two and get them used to one another.
This can be more successful if it is started at an early age.
Start Training Them Early
Labradoodles are considered highly intelligent dogs. Because of their intelligence, they are easy to train and will catch on eventually if you are persistent with the training.
The earlier you start the training, the easier it will be.
It is easier to teach a puppy not to bark excessively than to teach a mature dog that has been barking for a long time.
However, it is still possible to train an older Labradoodle, although it can be a bit challenging and time-consuming.
Can Health Issues Cause Excessive Barking?
While excessive barking is annoying, it can sometimes be an indicator that your furry friend has a certain health issue.
If you think your dog is barking a lot because of a medical condition, you should see your vet as soon as possible.
Barking is your Labradoodle’s way of communication. If he is in discomfort or pain, there is no other way he can communicate with you.
Older dogs may suffer from various health issues and will bark when the pain becomes severe.
Conclusion
All dogs are meant to bark, and Labradoodles are not an exception. However, they are considered moderate barkers and will not bark a lot.
As annoying as barking may be to your family and neighbors, your Labradoodle is trying to communicate. It is important to find out what is causing your Labradoodle to bark.