A healthy, well-stimulated, and trained dog generally barks around 40 to 100 times a day, but this depends on the dog’s breed, environment, and training. If they’re alone, they may only bark a few times a day, but if untrained, they may bark constantly.
Just like humans have varying talkativeness levels, a dog’s frequency of barking can change based on individual temperament and experiences. For example, while one Border Collie might bark ten times a day, another might bark fifty times daily, even in the same environment.
Most non-reactive dogs I’ve met will bark twice or three times when they hear the doorbell or someone knocking and maybe once or twice more if it’s a stranger coming in. If you count all that up, that’s typically below 100 barks per day.
Some barking vs. excessive barking is a matter of personal preference for the person who lives with the dog. There should be no problem if it does not upset you or your neighbors and your dog is confident and happy, if not a little more talkative than usual.
An alarm bark or two as someone approaches the door is acceptable. When playing, an eager roo is acceptable. Anything above that is typically deemed excessive.
Barking at many common and frequent noises, even if only for a minute, is a lot of barking. Some places are not well insulated from sound, which could disturb your neighbors, especially if you live in an apartment.
During my years working closely with pet owners, I observed that the dogs living in more dynamic environments – places with frequent visitors or lots of outdoor activity – often developed a rhythm, barking more during busy hours and settling down during quieter times.
Continuous barking for hours is rare and may indicate severe distress or neglect. If you suspect a neighbor’s dog has been barking incessantly due to being left alone or mistreated, consider approaching the matter compassionately, offering solutions, or checking in on the dog’s well-being
Barking at any disturbance they hear or at persons strolling outside the window is unacceptable behavior and crosses the line into reactive. However, you can train your dog to bark only when necessary.
I used to reside in a multi-unit complex. Barking for a minute would be regarded as excessive. Alert barking for a few seconds was acceptable, but it was the exception rather than the rule. Neighbors might get agitated in such apartments and start complaining or using dog whistles.
You can do a lot of counter-conditioning to lessen it. Since it is a natural reflex, getting rid of it might not be possible. However, you can reduce the barking a lot with training.
How Much Can a Dog Bark Legally in The US?
Laws vary from place to place, but many people think it’s too much when a dog barks straight for 30 minutes or more.
While it is preferred for dogs not to bark at all that early in the morning or the evening, one or two barks are acceptable on occasion. However, people may quickly become annoyed if allowed to continue for an extended period.
Most cities and towns in the US have noise ordinances. Your city may have quiet legislation or noise ordinance, such as prohibiting loud music, parties, or barking after a specific hour at night. In many cities, barking must be continuous for four hours or longer to be considered excessive.
I’d look into these ordinances for your city, county, or town. For example, in my city, the hours are between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekdays, when “extreme noise,” such as dogs barking for lengthy periods, is not allowed.
Many cities in the United States have ordinances that they enforce. I’ve heard of them sending police and animal control officers to threaten and sometimes fine people.
Should You Let Your Dogs Bark or Stop It?
Whether you should let your dog bark or prevent it will depend on where you live. It’s a blessing if you live in an apartment and your dog doesn’t bark. If you live in the middle of nowhere and want your dog to alert you to things happening near your house, you’ll want them to bark occasionally.
However, if your dog is constantly barking, you may want to try and stop them for a few reasons:
It might be excessive and bother neighbors.
There might be an issue with your dog, or they may require training.
Because not barking will provide you with peace and quiet.
For example, I do not let my dog bark casually at any time. Nobody wants to hear it at any time of day. (we have a guide for managing barking)
Whatever you do, try not to put your dog in situations that will cause them to bark all day. This is not good for the dog and will lead to other behavioral difficulties.
Here are a few things you can do regarding your dog’s barking.
If your dog is barking for non-threatening reasons, do not yell at them. You are simply justifying their anxiety.
Many dogs will bark to catch your attention, to request food, or to request that you open the door or allow them out of the crate. AKC recommends that you do not respond. Wait till your dog is quiet before giving them anything.
Don’t pet your dog immediately because it incentivizes barking. Similarly, don’t give them treats to stop. Instead, take a silent stride between your dog and the source of the barking trigger and hold the position. This is a technique of telling your dog that everything is fine and that you got this.
When trying to understand the reason behind your dog’s barking, take note of when and where it happens most frequently. Is it during certain times of the day? In response to specific stimuli? Gathering this information will provide invaluable insights to address the root cause effectively.
My dogs are trained to alert me to noises such as knocking on doors. But I want to be notified once. It can be a valuable strategy for dogs who constantly bark at the slightest disturbance.
They progress from being irritating and barking incessantly to having a job and being rewarded for a single bark. It can significantly minimize barking and make life easier for everyone.
There are numerous alternatives to this procedure. For example, you could positive reinforcement, or at the last resort, try anti-bark solutions. We are responsible for nurturing our pets, and to choose what is best for their wellbeing.
Is It Normal for a Dog to Never Bark?
Some dogs are simply not vocal. Some dogs “find” their barking later in life. If your dog never barks, perhaps the dog was never compelled to do so. Some dogs do not bark very much, which is not a cause for concern.
If your dog isn’t barking, he may lack confidence, which you should work on and improve. A lack of barking is not too concerning if it’s a younger dog unless they’re showing signs of mental distress.
FAQs
Do dogs ever get bored of barking?
Dogs bark because they are scared, lonely, bored, or stressed. Barking is a way of communicating for dogs, just like talking is for humans. Dogs don’t get bored or tired of barking, just like many humans don’t get bored or tired of talking, but it will depend on the breed and their personality.
Which dog breeds bark the most?
Terriers, scent hounds, herding breeds, livestock guardian dogs, and toy breeds are examples of dogs who bark a lot. Dogs that bark frequently include Chihuahuas, Beagles, Pomeranians, and German Shepherds, but it also depends on training.
Which dog barks the least?
Whippets and Greyhounds are very quiet, as well as our Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Pugs, Great Danes, and Shiba Inu are also good examples. Many companion dogs, such as Pekes, Boston Terriers, and well-bred Pugs, are small and quiet.
Alex, a passionate animal lover, has experience in training and understanding animal behavior. As a proud pet parent to two dogs and three cats, he founded AnimalReport.net to share insights from animal experts and expand his knowledge of the animal kingdom.
