Dogs never bark for “no reason”. We humans are just too dumb to figure out why they’re barking. Here are some reasons why my own dogs bark:
Someone outside your house is walking by with, or without a dog.
Cats, squirrels and other critters are near your house.
He hears far better than you ever will. Mine will bark as he hears other dogs barking 1/2 mile away. Dogs are pack animals who will bark in concert, or warn other dogs in the area that this is his territory and to back off.
He needs to go potty or is trying to tell you something. Maybe he is anxious about something. Do you have a cat that taunts him or takes his bed or space? Mine will tattletale bark to me when one of the cats takes his space in his or my bed.
Gas or carbon monoxide or other dangers.
He’s in pain or discomfort. Many joint pains are worse at night. We feel the wrath of a cold or illness at hardest at night, too.
And the most frequent trigger in my own dogs is JEALOUSY. Yes, they are super jealous and won’t try to hide it like your girlfriend when you glance at a pretty girl. Mine will bark and whine if either sees me showing affection for the other. They even place their heads under my hand or will take my hand in their mouths and guide me to pet them. Jealousy isn’t confined to other dogs. If he sees you showing affection for a family member or cat, he will insist equal affection time vocally.
He is bored and needs to release energy. If a dog doesn’t get enough exercise, playtime or intellectual stimulation, he will bark until he feels he is adequately spent. The larger breeds need at least 3 hearty walks a day or an hour of hard exercise/play, preferably off leash to run and jump.
You wouldn’t start yelling in the middle of the night for no reason. Neither will your dog. You can just tell someone why you’re yelling but with a dog, it’s up to you to figure out why. Try to find a way to tune into his mind and needs. Only good will come of it.
