Many American bully owners believe that constant barking from their American bullies is acceptable due to their muscular and intimidating presence.
However, it’s important to note that American bullies shouldn’t bark a lot. If your American bully is barking excessively, there may be a specific underlying reason.
As an owner, it’s crucial to understand the causes behind your dog’s excessive barking in order to effectively address the issue.
In this article, we will discuss the seven key reasons why your American Bully might be barking and raising the roof and how you can help them find their quiet place.
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7 Key Reasons Why an American Bully Barks
1. Territorial or Protective Instinct
When it comes to your American Bully, barking is often their way of responding to their natural instinct to protect their territory, which includes your home. This instinct developed over time to keep their ‘pack’ or family safe.
When your American Bully sees something new, like a person or another animal, they often bark because they think it’s a potential threat.
However, they typically stop barking once the unfamiliar thing is no longer visible.
2. Fear or Anxiety
Another key reason your Bully might be barking excessively could be due to fear or anxiety.
Like humans, dogs also experience these emotions, which can trigger their vocal reactions.
There are various reasons your dog might become afraid, such as loud noises, unfamiliar environments, or traumatic experiences.
While your dog is barking constantly, look at their body language. If they are barking with their tails between their legs and have a lowered head posture, then your American Bully is afraid or frightened of something.
To manage this, it’s crucial to provide a safe, comforting environment for your Bully. Regular exercise and socialization can also help reduce anxiety. If symptoms persist, seeking professional help from a vet or animal behaviorist is advisable.
3. Boredom or Loneliness
Often, your American Bully might start barking simply because they’re bored. This active and intelligent breed needs mental stimulation and physical activity to thrive.
Without sufficient exercise and interaction, they can easily become restless and resort to barking as a way to express their frustration.
Similarly, if they’re left alone for extended periods, they may bark out of loneliness.
As social animals, American Bullies crave companionship. It’s crucial to provide them with engaging toys and regular play times to keep their minds occupied.
Addressing your Bully’s boredom can significantly reduce their barking.
4. Attention-Seeking
When your American Bully makes a lot of noise, it might be because they want your attention. Dogs, like kids, sometimes misbehave when they feel ignored.
If your Bully barks whenever you’re on the phone or busy, they’re probably trying to get your attention for a walk or some treats.
However, it’s important not to give them attention or treats when they bark to get your attention because they will think they get whatever they want when they bark, and this can lead to excessive barking to grab your attention.
Instead, teach them that being calm and patient is rewarded. It might be a bit challenging at first, but consistency is the key.
5. Playfulness or Excitement
It is somewhat similar to territorial barking, but in this case, when your American bully meets a person or animal they do not consider them as a threat and just barks out of excitement.
If they are barking in excitement or while being playful you will notice that the bark is high-pitched with a wagging tail and alert but happy posture.
6. Pain
Your American Bully can also bark excessively when they are in pain. It is a way for them to express their distress and seek help or attention.
It is quite common when your American bully is accidentally injured while playing or attacked by another dog or animal.
If your American Bully barks when you touch or pet them, it might be an indication that they are in pain.
Consult a vet immediately to determine what is wrong with your pooch.
7. Surprise or Startled
Your American bully might bark when they get surprised. It is usually just a singular loud bark in response to suddenly getting spooked or startled.
for example, if your dog was focusing on something and you suddenly came from behind they can get surprised or if your dog saw sudden quick movement of something in the grass.
Your dog can not control this bark as it is like an involuntary response to getting surprised.
8. Canine Dementia
Canine dementia can also lead to excessive barking in your American Bully. Canine dementia is a cognitive condition that affects older dogs.
In this condition, your dog may start to bark suddenly, seemingly without any reason, and then stop just as abruptly.
If you have an American Bully who starts barking in a room at night without any apparent cause, it’s advisable to consult a vet promptly.
How To Correct the Excessive Barking of Your American Bully?
First of all, if you want to correct your American bully’s excessive barking. It is important to understand the cause which is leading to barking.
It requires patience and consistency to find out the cause when you are dealing with this situation and I understand it can be frustrating but you should not yell or harshly treat them as it can worsen the condition only.
Instead, teach them to be disciplined and train them to remain silent on commands like quiet or hush.
Here are the following tips you can follow to address excessive barking depending on the cause.
Tips To Correct Excessive Barking Caused by Being Surprised, Afraid or Protective
As previously discussed, your American Bully may bark when they encounter unfamiliar people or animals around their property, as they perceive them as threats.
To minimize this behavior, you can obstruct their range of vision. For instance, if your American Bully spends more time outside in the backyard, make sure to cover the fence so they cannot see outside.
If they spend more time inside, you can cover places where your dogs can see outside like windows with curtains or an opaque film.
This approach also works for dogs that bark when they are surprised or afraid. By simply limiting their ability to see outside, you can keep them calmer and quieter.
Tips To Correct the Excess Barking Caused By Boredom or Loneliness
If you have an American Bully who continues to bark when you leave them alone, it is important to keep them occupied and entertained.
Ask your friends or relatives to spend some time with your American Bully to ensure their comfort for at least an hour.
If you don’t have any friends or relatives available to take care of them, consider a doggy daycare or hiring a dog walker.
You can also use your worn clothes because dogs can sense the smell and will become comfortable with familiar scents. Be sure to provide plenty of toys to keep them occupied. You can also hide some treats around the house, which will keep them busy as they search for them.
Tips To Correct the Excess Barking Caused by Playfulness and Excitement.
If your dog barks excessively and becomes agitated when someone knocks or rings the doorbell, you can address this issue by teaching them to remain calm in the same spot.
You can practice this with your dog by instructing someone to knock or ring the doorbell. When you notice your dog barking, calmly say “relax” or “quiet” to get them to stop.
Say it only once, and as soon as they stop barking, even for a brief moment, praise and reward them with a treat. Continue practicing this, understanding that it may take some time.
It’s essential to note that you should not reward them when they bark in excitement, such as when you return home, as this can encourage the same behavior with others.
Note- Socialization and Regular Exercise can be very helpful in anxiety-related barking. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog.
Final Thoughts
You should understand barking is their natural instinct to express themselves and it is completely fine. However, if your American bully is barking a lot then it is not ideal and should be addressed.
Ignoring this behavior may lead to it becoming a habit, which can result in the development of bad or destructive behavior in your dog.
Find out the reason that is causing your dog to bark continuously and correct it. Remember not to yell at them, and if you are unable to correct the issue on your own, consult a vet or behavioural expert.
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