Is a dog's barking behavior due more to genetics or environment? Do certain bre

1. 84

   YogaKatposted 13 years ago

   Is a dog's barking behavior due more to genetics or environment?  Do certain breeds bark more ?
   
   The pit bull mix stray who adopted me never barks.  He howled like a wolf into the ravine behind my house the moment I met him.  His howl was answered by another howl.  He has never barked even ONCE since that day.  He makes a little squeak sometimes and hits the door with his paw when he wants to go out.
   
   

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2. 70

   Larry Fieldsposted 13 years ago

   I can't give a definitive answer to the Nature-nurture question about barking. You may want to check out psychologist Stanley Coren's book, The Intelligence of dogs. If I remember correctly, Coren rates Rottweilers and German Shepherds as the large breeds that bark the most when they play the role of watchdog.
   
   Of course, barking can be much more than territoriality. Example: If a Labrador Retriever approaches you, while carrying a stick in his mouth, and barks once, it's obvious that he wants to play fetch.

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3. 61

   Dubuquedogtrainerposted 13 years ago

   Count your blessings! It's nice to have a dog that doesn't bark a lot. The tendency to bark is both learned and genetic. Some breeds do tend to bark more than others, for example terriers and some herding dogs such as shelties. Your little dog is very cute, by the way!

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4. 60

   SopranoRocksposted 13 years ago

   I think every dog is different but it seems smaller dogs are more yappy.  I think some dogs bark when they are bored or lonely - seems like "outdoor dogs" (don't get me started on what I think of this) bark more than those that live in homes. 
   I have had 3 dogs in my lifetime. 
   My cocker-springer mix never once barked or whined (oh how I miss him - he was like a little person in so many ways). 
   My boxer mix only barks when someone knocks or rings doorbell. 
   And then my little jack-in-the-box jackrussel-chihuahua mix barks at EVERYTHING: when he sees or hears cars go by, when any dog or person he doesn't know is anywhere he can see them, and sometimes I have no idea what he is barking at.  He is getting better since I started using a dog whistle followed by a soft "quiet Sam" until he stops.  Tried everything before that but this is only help that makes a dent.  Of course, his barking is worse in winter, when he gets bored and stir crazy (but don't we all). 
   So my answer: who knows?

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5. 82

   Becky Katzposted 13 years ago

   Dogs barking has a duel cause. Smaller breeds bark more and if the owners let them get away with it, they will get worse. Larger dogs do not bark as much, but if they are not taught to stop barking, they can become a big pain. All dogs can be taught to quit barking. If you say "enough", tap them on the nose softly, then they should be quiet. If they do not, repeat it.Continue the training until they stop when you say "enough" and stay quiet. My husband does not do this and the dog drives him nuts. I walk into the room and he will stop, because he knows I will enforce the order. I have to train my husband now. The dog barking at everything is driving me nuts.

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6. 93

   alexadryposted 13 years ago

   What causes barking in dogs? Is it in the dog's nature or environment? Is there a gene for barking? Learn which breeds are more likely to sound the alarm and what stimuli are known to trigger bouts of barking. read more

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7. 84

   Brett Winnposted 12 years ago

   Certain breeds are more excitable, and "expressive" but any dog can be taught not to bark.

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