Bearded Collies are a popular breed of dog, but one question that many people have is whether or not they are heavy barkers.
In this blog post, we will take a look at the barking habits of Bearded Collies and provide some tips on how to deal with excessive barking.
Key Takeaway
- Bearded Collies can be prone to barking, especially when bored or not given enough exercise, but this does not necessarily make them heavy barkers by nature.
- Bearded Collies can be kept calm with sufficient exercise and companionship as they are sociable dogs that can become unhappy and destructive if left alone for long periods.
- To stop your Border Collie from barking, it’s crucial to understand their triggers and work to either divert them or preempt the barking behavior, using techniques such as counterconditioning, training them not to bark, and providing enough physical and mental stimulation.
Are Bearded Collies Heavy Barkers?
Yes. Bearded Collies are heavy barkers due to the fact that they were bred as herding dogs and barking is one way to herd sheep. These intelligent and active dogs require a lot of mental stimulation and exercise and if they don’t get enough of either, they may start barking out of boredom or frustration.
Bearded collies have herding instincts and this is the main reason why they are considered heavy barkers.
If you live in an apartment or other small space, a Bearded Collie may not be the best breed for you. They need a lot of space to run and play, and they will bark if they are cooped up indoors all day.
If you intend to regulate the rate at which bearded collie bark, the first thing is to ensure that the bearded collie is getting enough exercise. If your bearded collie cannot get proper exercise, it will become restless.
The Bearded Collie will not stop barking until they have gotten your full attention. That is why they need constant activities throughout the day. Engaging in continuous activities is one of the best ways to release excessive energy.
Bearded Collies bark when they’re excited, scared, or trying to warn their pack of something. If you think your Bearded Collie is barking too much, first try to figure out why they’re doing it.
Once you know the reason, you can start working on training them to stop. Bearded Collies are intelligent dogs and with patience and consistency, most can learn to bark only when necessary.
But keep in mind, Bearded Collies tend to be very vocal dogs in general – they love to bark, howl, and whine! If you’re thinking about getting a Bearded Collie, be prepared for a dog who loves to make noise.
Can Bearded Collies Be Kept Calm?
Yes, but it takes some work. Bearded Collies need plenty of exercise, so a daily walk or run is a must. They also need mental stimulation, so games and puzzles are great for keeping them occupied. Lastly, positive reinforcement training is key to teaching them good manners.
Bearded collies are always hyperactive, so it is challenging to keep them calm. Their energy levels are high, especially during the first half of their lives.
Keeping a bearded collie calm requires a lot of patience and taking proper time with them in your care. If you start to notice any change in the temperaments of the bearded collies, visit the vet to identify all possible health complications.
There are a number of things that can trigger a Bearded Collie’s herding instinct. One of the most common triggers is the sight of moving objects, whether it’s another animal or something like a ball. Other triggers can include the sound of someone calling their name or the sound of a whistle.
Once they’ve been triggered, they’ll usually start to move towards the stimulus and try to herd it. If you have a Bearded Collie, it’s important to be aware of what triggers their herding instinct so you can avoid any potential accidents.
Once you have established all the triggers of your bearded collies, you should eliminate those triggers as soon as possible says Your Pure Breed Puppy.
How Do I Stop My Border Collie From Barking?
Barking is a natural behavior for dogs, but it can become a problem if it’s excessive or disruptive. However, there is a way to stop your Bearded Collie from excessive barking. Here is how:
1. Put the Bearded Collie on a low-fat diet
Since these dogs are super energetic, high fats and protein levels could bring extra calories that lead to excessive energy.
One way to help reduce your dog’s barking is by feeding them a low-fat diet. Fatty foods can increase a dog’s energy levels, which can make them more prone to barking.
By reducing the amount of fat in their diet, you can help keep your dog calm and relaxed, which will hopefully reduce the amount of Barking they do.
Of course, every dog is different and there is no guarantee that a low-fat diet will completely stop your dog from barking excessively. However, it’s worth a try if you’re struggling to control your dog’s barking.
Over time, transition to a new and healthy diet. Make the transition to avoid stomach upset. As a bearded collie owner, please ensure that you feed them with high-quality foods.
2. Always ensure that they have proper exercise
Since they are working dogs, they always love to be active. That is why as a Bearded Collie owner, you must ensure that you incorporate proper exercise into their play.
Dogs that are constantly barking may be doing so because they are bored or anxious. Getting your dog more exercise can help to tire them out and reduce their excessive barking. A tired dog is a happy dog! Not only will your dog be happier, but you will likely find yourself enjoying their company more as well.
Another benefit of increased exercise is that it can help to calm an anxious dog. Dogs that bark excessively often do so because they are feeling anxious or stressed.
Exercise can help to release some of that built-up energy and allow them to relax. If your dog is feeling calmer, it will be less likely to bark excessively.
3. Socialize them from an early age
Bearded Collies that lack socialization are more prone to excessive barking. Without exposure to other people and animals, Bearded Collies can become fearful and anxious, which can lead to them barking excessively.
Socialization helps dogs learn how to interact with other beings in a positive way, reducing the chances of them becoming scared or aggressive and therefore less likely to bark excessively.
There are a few things you can do to help socialize your Bearded Collie and reduce their excessive barking:
- Take them for walks in different places so they can experience different sights and smells. This will help them get used to new environments and not be as easily startled by unfamiliar things.
- Introduce them to as many people as possible, of all ages, sizes, and genders. Bearded Collies that are only exposed to one type of person (e.g. only men or only women) can be more fearful of people outside of their comfort zone and bark excessively as a result.
- Attend doggy daycare or dog parks on a regular basis. This will allow your dog to play and socialize with other dogs, which is great for their development.
If you take the time to socialize your Bearded Collie, you’ll likely find that their excessive barking decreases significantly. It’s important to give them the exposure they need so they can learn how to cope in different situations and become more confident overall. With a little patience and effort, you can help your dog lead a happier, less stressful life.
4. Remove all possible triggers
One possible reason your dog is barking excessively is that they’re feeling triggered by something. It could be a particular person, animal, or object that’s causing them to feel anxious or threatened. By removing the trigger from the equation, you may be able to help reduce your dog’s excessive barking.
Of course, this isn’t always possible or practical. If the trigger is another animal that your dog can see through the window, for example, you likely can’t remove it entirely.
In cases like these, you’ll need to find other ways to help your dog feel more comfortable and less triggered. This might include things like desensitization training or counterconditioning.
If you’re not sure what’s triggering your dog’s excessive barking, it might be a good idea to consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can help you figure out what’s going on and come up with a plan to help your dog feel better.
5. Include the ”no bark” command in obedience training
Obedience training is one of the most important things you can do to stop your Bearded Collie’s excessive barking. Bearded Collie’s bark for many reasons, including boredom, fear, anxiety, and excitement.
When you understand why your dog is barking, you can begin to work on obedience training exercises that will help stop the behavior.
First, you need to identify the trigger that is causing your Bearded Collie to bark excessively. Once you know what is triggering the barking, you can begin working on obedience training with your dog at home. Start by teaching your Bearded Collie basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down.
As your Bearded Collie masters these commands, you will be able to better train them on specific behaviors such as not barking excessively. With patience and consistency, you can train your dog to stop excessive barking and live a happier life together.
Why Do The Bearded Collies Growl?
Some of the most common reasons why Bearded Collie’s growl include playfulness, establishing dominance, feeling threatened, feeling pain, and signs of aggression. When there is a prominent indicator, and something is wrong, they will bring out a loud and solid growl that will most likely alert others.
One reason your bearded collie may be growling is if he or she is feeling threatened. If you have another pet in the house that your bearded collie doesn’t get along with, or if there are small children in the home that he or she isn’t used to, this could be the cause of the growling.
In these cases, it’s important to provide a safe space for your dog where he or she can feel secure and comfortable. This may mean keeping them in a separate room when a company is over or making sure they have a quiet place to retreat to when they need some time alone.
Another reason your bearded collie may growl is if they’re in pain. If you notice your dog growling when you try to touch them in a certain area, it’s possible that they’re experiencing discomfort and are trying to let you know. In these cases, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible so that the cause of the pain can be addressed.
Finally, some dogs simply enjoy growling. It can be a way for them to release energy or pent-up frustration, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re unhappy. If your dog is growling in a way that doesn’t seem to be linked to any of the above reasons, it’s likely that they just enjoy making the noise and there’s no cause for concern.
FAQs
Q: What are Bearded Collies?
A: Bearded Collies are a breed of dog that originated in Scotland. They are medium-sized dogs with a shaggy coat and are known for their friendly and energetic nature.
Q: How often do Bearded Collies bark?
A: The frequency of barking in Bearded Collies can vary. Some may be more prone to barking than others, but in general, they are known to bark fairly often.
Q: What are the reasons for a Bearded Collie to bark?
A: Bearded Collies may bark for various reasons. It could be due to boredom, anxiety, fear, excitement, or to alert their owners about something unusual or suspicious happening around them.
Q: Can excessive barking be a problem with Bearded Collies?
A: Yes, excessive barking can be a problem with Bearded Collies, especially if it becomes disruptive or if it bothers the neighbors. It is important to address the underlying cause of the barking and provide proper training and mental stimulation to prevent excessive barking.
Q: How can I train my Bearded Collie to bark less?
A: Training a Bearded Collie to bark less requires consistent positive reinforcement training methods. You can start by teaching them commands like “quiet” or “enough,” rewarding them when they stop barking on command, and providing them with plenty of mental and physical exercise to keep them engaged and content.
Q: Can Bearded Collies be trained to bark on command?
A: Yes, Bearded Collies can be trained to bark on command with proper training methods. By using positive reinforcement techniques and consistently reinforcing the command, you can teach them to bark on cue.
Q: Are there any specific sounds that may trigger a Bearded Collie to bark?
A: Bearded Collies may be triggered to bark by various sounds, depending on their individual personality and experiences. Common triggers can include doorbells, sirens, strange noises, or the presence of other animals.
Q: Are Bearded Collies good watchdogs because of their barking tendency?
A: Bearded Collies may have a natural inclination to bark, but their friendliness and gentle nature may not make them the best watchdogs. They are more likely to greet strangers with enthusiasm rather than displaying protective behavior.
Q: Are there any methods to help reduce excessive barking in Bearded Collies?
A: Yes, there are methods to help reduce excessive barking in Bearded Collies. These include providing them with regular exercise and mental stimulation, addressing any underlying anxiety or fear issues, using positive reinforcement training techniques, and seeking professional help if needed.
Conclusion and final thoughts
In conclusion, after discussing the topic of whether Bearded Collies are heavy barkers or not, we can conclude that there is no clear answer.
While some Bearded Collies may have a tendency to bark excessively, it ultimately depends on their individual personality and training.