Barking is a vocalization behavior displayed by dogs, including the Belgian Malinois. It is a natural form of communication for dogs and serves various purposes. The barking can range from a soft, low growl to a loud, intense bark, depending on the dog and the situation.
So, why does your Belgian Malinois bark so much? When should you intervene?
We’ll delve into the various reasons why a Belgian Malinois may bark a lot and how to address this behavior.
Here’s why your Belgian Malinois barks so much
A Belgian Malinois barks as a natural form of communication, and they may bark a lot due to territorial behavior, fear, attention-seeking behavior, illness, and old age. Understanding the underlying cause of a Belgian Malinois’s barking is important in addressing and managing their behavior effectively.
Belgian Malinois barking
Barking is a vocalization behavior of dogs, including the Belgian Malinois. It is a natural form of communication for canines and serves various purposes.
The barking can range from a soft, low growl to a loud, intense bark, depending on an individual Belgian Malinois and the situation.
The Belgian Malinois, being a large breed, has a deep and powerful bark. They can use barking to communicate their needs, express their emotions, or alert their owners to potential dangers.
Do Belgian Malinois dogs bark a lot?
Yes, Belgian Malinois bark a lot. However, individual behavior can vary, and there are always exceptions. Belgian Malinois are more prone to barking than others due to their unique personalities, experiences, or specific triggers.
A Belgian Malinois’s barking behavior is also influenced by factors such as training, socialization, and the environment in which they are raised.
While Belgian Malinois may not bark excessively without reason, they still bark when necessary, such as to alert their owners or communicate their needs.
Do Belgian Malinois puppies bark a lot?
Belgian Malinois puppies, like puppies of any breed, can engage in occasional bouts of barking. However, it is important to note that Belgian Malinois puppy barking may not be as pronounced or loud as that of adult Belgian Malinois due to their smaller size and less developed vocal capabilities.
Generally, Belgian Malinois puppies are known for being relatively calm and easygoing compared to some other breeds.
They may bark when they are playing, excited, or seeking attention. However, excessive or persistent barking is less common in Belgian Malinois puppies compared to certain other breeds known for their barking.
Related: Belgian Malinois howling: What your Belgian Malinois is trying to tell you
Common reasons for Belgian Malinois barking
It is important to observe your Belgian Malinois’s body language and the context in which they bark to better understand the specific message being conveyed.
This understanding helps you to understand your dog which helps you to ensure your dog’s needs are met appropriately.
The common reasons a Belgian Malinois barks a lot include:
Communication
Barking is a natural form of communication for dogs. They may bark to alert their owners or to communicate their needs, such as hunger, thirst, or the need to go outside.
Territorial behavior
When a Belgian Malinois barks, they may actually be alerting their owner to a potential threat or danger.
Dogs have a natural instinct to protect their territory and their pack, which includes their human family.
So, if your Belgian Malinois hears or smells something that they sense is a potential threat, they may bark to alert their owners and draw their attention to the situation.
For example, a Belgian Malinois may bark at the sound of someone approaching the house, even if the person is not yet visible to their owner.
This can be a useful warning signal for the dog’s owners to be aware of the presence of a potential visitor or intruder.
This is natural and they may bark to protect their territory from perceived threats like other animals or strange people.
Fear
Frightening situations can scare a Belgian Malinois which results in barking. This is a normal reaction to the stimulus which also includes coiling in fear, hiding or avoidance, defecation in the home, and aggression.
Loud noises, traumatic experiences such as mistreatment, and exposure to new people or pets are some examples of what can cause fear in a Belgian Malinois.
Attention seeking behavior
Barking is also a way for Belgian Malinois to get their owner’s attention, either for affection or to get something they want, such as food or a toy.
Dogs naturally crave attention from both their owners and when they don’t receive enough of it, they might turn to barking.
This is especially true for Belgian Malinois that are left alone for long periods of time and this occurs due to separation anxiety or loneliness.
Illness
A Belgian Malinois can also bark due to illness because of pain or discomfort they are experiencing.
Other changes in behavior due to illness can include a Belgian Malinois becoming lethargic, retching, disinterest in any activities, loss of appetite, irritability, eating of grass, abnormal gait, and other strange behaviors.
Aging
Older Belgian Malinois may bark a lot due to aging. This is because older dogs may experience sensory decline, which can cause them to become more easily confused or disoriented.
This means they may perceive sights, sounds, or smells that are not actually present. This leads to excessive barking because of a lack of understanding of their surroundings.
An aging Belgian Malinois can also bark because of the decline in cognitive function commonly known as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD).
The condition is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans, in that, when a Belgian Malinois gets older, their cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, audio or visual processing, and mental sharpness decline. This causes them to become more anxious or stressed and can lead to increased barking.
In some cases, older Belgian Malinois may also experience physical discomfort or pain from illnesses, which can cause them to become more vocal, meaning they will bark in response to discomfort or frustration.
Other strange behaviors in old age include sleeping a lot, sleep cycle disturbance, anxiety, restlessness, irritability, growling at nothing, getting lost, clinginess, disorientation, bathroom accidents in the house, or pacing for no reason.
How to stop a Belgian Malinois from barking
If your dog is healthy with no signs of illness, there is no cause for concern because it is normal for dogs to bark. However, it is important to know the meaning behind your dog’s behavior so that you can address the situation.
Find the trigger
First, generally assess the possible reason behind your dog’s behavior, whether it is due to illness, injury, or any other stimulus. Observe their behavior and try to determine the cause.
Is your dog barking repeatedly in a certain situation because they’re scared, sick or they have seen or heard something? Are they barking and staring to get your attention? Are they behaving this way to protect their territory? Are they barking because of aging challenges?
Once you have a better understanding of their behavior you can act in a way that is appropriate and meet your dog’s needs. This includes:
Paying attention to the situation
Are raising an alarm due to something they have heard or seen that is a potential threat to them or to you.
Provide a quiet area
If the barking and staring is due to fear caused by a particular trigger, remove your Belgian Malinois from the situation and minimize exposing them to situations that may frighten them.
Create a designated quiet and comfortable space for your Belgian Malinois where they can retreat when they feel anxious or overwhelmed. This can be a crate or a specific room where they can relax and feel secure.
Provide sufficient exercise and mental stimulation
Ensure that your Belgian Malinois is getting enough physical exercise and mental stimulation. A tired and stimulated dog is less likely to engage in excessive barking out of boredom or pent-up energy.
Positive Reinforcement Training
Use positive reinforcement techniques to train your Belgian Malinois to bark only when appropriate and to stop barking on command.
Reward them with treats, praise, and attention when they are calm and quiet, and redirect their focus to a desirable behavior instead of barking.
When to seek help
Consult your veterinarian if you are unsure of the cause of your Belgian Malinois’s barking. Also contact the veterinarian if you suspect that the behavior stems from an underlying medical issue, or if the behavior is causing distress to your dog or to those around them.
The veterinarian will determine the underlying cause and offer advice on how to address the behavior.
It is also particularly important to see a veterinarian if your Belgian Malinois’s barking is:
- A sudden change of behavior: If barking is sudden or unusual, it could be an indication of an underlying medical condition or psychological problem. Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination of your dog, and perform the necessary diagnostic tests to identify the reason for the behavior and provide a solution.
- Accompanied by other symptoms: When barking is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, or other behavior changes could indicate a medical problem that need to be addressed.
- Barking becomes problematic: If your Belgian Malinois’s barking becomes an issue for neighbors, other people, or even for you, it is important to seek assistance. A veterinarian or professional dog trainer will offer guidance on stopping or minimizing the behavior.
The veterinarian may also refer you to a qualified dog trainer who can further help to adjust your dog’s behavior. A certified trainer can help you minimize and stop your dog’s behavior.
It is important to remember that it may take time and effort to address your dog’s barking and it may be necessary to try a combination of different approaches in training. With patience and consistency, it is often possible to adjust behavior.
Key Takeaway
Belgian Malinois are not generally known for excessive barking. They are known for their calm and gentle nature. While Belgian Malinois can bark like any other dog, they are not considered to be a particularly vocal breed.
Belgian Malinois typically bark for specific reasons such as alerting their owners to potential threats, or communicating their needs. However, they are not prone to constant or excessive barking without reason.
Individual dogs within any breed can vary in their behavior and tendencies. Therefore some Belgian Malinois may be more prone to barking than others due to their unique personalities or specific triggers.
