Dogs display a number of unusual behaviors and as a dog owner you have probably experienced some at one point. One of these behaviors is dog barking and yelping.
It is quite concerning to hear your dog barking and yelping and particularly distressing if you’re not sure what’s causing the behavior.
We’ll go over the various reasons why dogs bark and yelp, tips for addressing this behavior, and when to seek help
Here’s Why Dog Barking And Yelping Happens
Dog barking and yelping happens due to pain, stress, attention seeking behavior, boredom, separation anxiety, fear and as a way to communicate their needs. To determine the cause of your dog’s barking and yelping, it’s important to pay attention to their body language and the surrounding environment to help you understand their behavior.
Dog yelping
Yelping in dogs is a high-pitched sound that is similar to a whine or a cry. It is usually a sign of distress or discomfort, and may also be accompanied by other behaviors such as panting, shaking, hiding or barking.
Is it normal for dogs to bark and yelp?
Barking and yelping are normal dog behaviors for dogs because they are ways that dogs communicate with both humans and other animals. However, the behavior can be an indication of an underlying medical condition or behavioral problem that needs to be addressed.
Reasons for dog barking and yelping
Pain or discomfort
Pain can cause a dog to yelp or cry due to discomfort. yelping is a way they vocalize how they are feeling and this can indicate to you that they are unwell and need help.
Pain and discomfort can be due to a number of conditions, including infections, diseases, arthritis, dental issues, post surgery and injuries.
In addition to barking and yelping, other symptoms that indicate a dog is in pain or discomfort include restlessness, panting, loss of appetite, reluctance to move or play, licking or biting the affected area, and changes in behavior or attitude.
Stress
Another common cause of barking and yelping in dogs is stress and anxiety. Dogs can experience anxiety or fear in response to many different triggers, such as loud noises, strange people or animals, and routine changes.
Stress can come from different triggers including moving to a new home, being confined in a crate, a change of routine, introduction of a new pet, or loud noise.
Stress or anxiety can also lead to compulsive obsessive behaviors in a dog, which include digging, chewing, and eating everything, which act as a stress-relieving outlet.
Attention seeking behavior
One of the causes of barking and yelping in dogs is attention seeking. Barking and yelping is also a way for dogs to communicate their needs and wants. For example, a dog may bark or yelp to let you know that they want to go outside, or that they want to play.
They may also do this if they feel neglected or sense that you are not paying much attention to them, therefore they may start to bark and/or yelp to get your attention, to bring your focus to them.
To understand what your dog is trying to communicate, it’s important to pay attention to their body language and behavior.
See Also: Dog barking and howling: Understanding why and what to do
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a common cause of barking and yelping in dogs. It happens when a dog becomes anxious or distressed when separated from their human family or left alone. It can also be caused by a lack of training.
Some dog breeds are more susceptible to separation anxiety than others and tend to suffer more from separation anxiety.
The anxiety can show up in a number of behaviors, including barking and yelping, which is also accompanied by other behaviors including pacing, yelping and destructive behavior such as digging, chewing or defecation in the house.
Boredom
Another common reason why dogs bark and yelp is boredom. Dogs need mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy and engaged.
If they’re not getting enough of this they will resort to barking and yelping, including other activities to entertain themselves or pass time.
They will also bark and yelp due to boredom to get your attention so that they can play with you or engage with you.
Fear
Fear is a normal response in dogs due to a variety of triggers. These triggers include loud noises, unfamiliar people or animals, and changes in their environment
Fear and anxiety can be caused by poor socialization, dementia due to aging, traumatic experiences, other perceived dangers, and illnesses that contribute to phobia and fear.
A fearful and anxious dog will show behaviors that indicate that they are distressed such as pacing, trembling, yelping, drooling, excessive barking, crying, growling, snapping, incontinence, excessive grooming, and chewing on objects.
Communication
Dogs bark and yelp to communicate with humans and other animals. Barking is often used as a way for dogs to alert their owners to the presence of a stranger or potential danger, while yelping may be used to express excitement or frustration.
For example, a dog may bark at the door when someone knocks, or yelp when they are playing with a toy.
It is therefore important to observe your dog’s body language and vocalizations to understand what they are trying to communicate.
How to stop dog barking and yelping
Dogs may bark and yelp for various reasons, and most of the time it is normal. However, it can become concerning, or irritating for some dog parents.
You can stop dog from barking and yelping by understanding the reason behind it. Here are a few ways you can help a dog that is barking and yelping:
Provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation
Dogs need mental and physical stimulation to be healthy and also work off pent up energy. Therefore provide toys for them to play with, activities, or exercise appropriate for their age.
This will help reduce boredom and attention-seeking behaviors.
Provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation
Dogs need mental and physical stimulation to be healthy and also work off pent up energy. Therefore provide toys for them to play with, activities, or exercise appropriate for their age.
This will help reduce boredom and attention-seeking behaviors.
Provide them with what they need
A dog barking and yelping can be an indication that they need something from you such as food, water or simply to go out for a walk. The best way to communicate or express this need is to bark and/or yelp.
Therefore if this is the case provide them with what they need at the moment.
Comfort them
If the yelping or whining is due to fear that might have been caused by a particular trigger, remove your dog from the situation and comfort them.
This includes moving them away from the noise and also minimizing exposure to situations that may frighten them.
Avoid encouraging the behavior
If your dog is barking and yelping for attention, ignoring the behavior and waiting until they’re quiet before rewarding them can be an effective way to reduce the behavior.
When your dog is behaving well, make sure to give them plenty of praise and rewards. This will help reinforce good behavior and encourage your dog to continue behaving well.
Receive their excitement
Your dog can be very happy when they see you come back home or if you have been separated from them for a long period.
Barking and yelping are simply a way that they vocalize their excitement. Therefore return the affection by hugging them or petting them to show them affection.
Training
Engage a dog trainer or an animal behaviorist when you need further help to adjust your dog’s behavior. A certified trainer can help you minimize and stop your dog’s behavior.
When to seek help for dog barking and yelping
If you are unable to identify the potential cause of your dog’s barking and yelping or if the behavior persists, consult with your veterinarian. This is because the behavior can be due to an underlying health condition.
The veterinarian will conduct a full examination, determine the underlying cause and develop a more comprehensive plan to address your dog’s behavior.
If it is a behavioral problem, they will also guide you on ways to stop the behavior and may also recommend an animal behaviorist for training needs.
A veterinarian should be also be consulted regarding your dog’s barking and yelping when:
The behavior is new or sudden: If your dog’s barking and yelping is sudden or out of character, it could be a sign that there’s an underlying medical issue.
The behavior is accompanied by other signs of illness: If your dog is exhibiting other signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or changes in bowel or bladder habits, it’s a good idea to see a veterinarian.
The behavior is disturbing: Consult with your veterinarian for your dog if the barking and yelping are excessive and disrupt your household.
The behavior is persistent: Also talk to your veterinarian if your dog’s barking and yelping continue despite your efforts to address the behavior.
What not to do for dog barking and yelping
Avoid the following when you see your dog barking and yelping:
Yelling or punishing them: Avoid yelling or punishing your dog when they bark and yelp. This form of discipline will only increase their stress and anxiety, leading to even more barking and yelping.
Instead, keep calm and use positive reinforcement methods for good behavior to encourage them to stop.
Ignoring the behavior: It might seem like an easy fix to ignore your dog’s barking and yelping, but doing so only reinforces the behavior.
One of the reasons dogs bark and yelp is to get their owners’ attention and they are more likely to persist if they are not successful. It is important to address the behavior by implementing an appropriate solution.
Encouraging the behavior: Resist encouraging the behavior by not giving in to their demands by use of barking and yelping to get attention.
In the long run, this can reinforce the behavior and make it more challenging to stop. Instead, use or get training for your dog to better teach them the appropriate behavior.
Key Takeaway: Dog barking and yelping
Barking and yelping are common dog behaviors, but they can be due to an underlying medical or behavioral problem.
When your dog barks and yelps, try to assess the situation to identify the possible cause to respond appropriately to the situation and help them.
Seek medical care if they present signs of sickness, or discomfort, or when you might not be sure what would be causing the behavior.