Fear Response
Your dog’s barking may be a response to something he’s afraid of if:
- The barking occurs when he’s exposed to loud noises, such as thunderstorms, firecrackers, or construction noise
- Your dog’s posture indicates fear (ears back, tail held low)
Recommendations
Identify what’s frightening your dog and desensitize him to it. You may need professional help with the desensitization process. Talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication while you work on behavior modification.
During thunderstorms or other frightening times, mute noise from outside by leaving your dog in a comfortable area in a basement or windowless bathroom, and turn on a television, radio, or loud fan. Block your dog’s access to outdoor views that might be causing a fear response by closing curtains or doors to certain rooms. Avoid coddling your dog so that he doesn’t think that he is being rewarded for his fearful behavior.