Miniature Poodles are one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. Miniature poodles are trainable and capable of handling any task. Miniature poodles are described in many ways by their owners like intelligent, regal, proud, loyal, and affectionate.
But what about barking? Do miniature poodles bark a lot? Unfortunately, yes miniature poodles bark a lot. The word “quiet” is rarely associated with miniature poodles because they can tend to bark, regardless of age, type, or size.
Miniature poodles are not quiet dogs, but they are also not very loud if properly trained and given the appropriate amount of exercise and mental stimulation. Miniature Poodles are classified as “moderate” barkers who become louder and more frequent when triggered.
Why do Miniature Poodles Bark? 6 Reasons of Poodles Barking
Most Miniature Poodles are excellent watchdogs, which simply means they will bark if they hear someone approaching the door. Miniature Poodles are highly sensitive dogs who bark when they have a good idea. However, your poodle’s every bark is justified.
Miniature Poodles bark for a variety of reasons, some of which are as follows:
1. Barking in Excitement:
Body language is just as important as noise when it comes to understanding your poodle. When your poodle gets excited over something, his bark will be repetitive and high-pitched. Your dog will want to stand out, wag his tail, or they may even jump up and down or spin in circles.
2. Defensive Barking:
If your dog feels uncomfortable, most likely because of an unwanted stranger, he will bark repeatedly. The barking will become more ferocious as they get closer to the perceived threat. There may even be some growls by the end.
3. Separation Anxiety:
Miniature poodles get easily attached to their owners. They crave love and unlimited attention. If you don’t give them enough attention or they feel ignorant, they may suffer separation anxiety.
Poodles hate to be left alone. They tend to bark excessively if they suffer separation anxiety. So never thought of leaving alone your miniature poodle.
4. Loud Noises:
Miniature Poodles are extremely sensitive and emotional animals. They are easily frightened by loud noises such as thunderstorms and flashes. If your poodle won’t stop barking in a noisy situation, try to get them to a quiet room of the house so they can calm down.
5. Protection:
Miniature poodles are watchdogs, so they can sense the danger. Whenever you saw your poodle barking excessively, it is a sign that there is some danger to you or your dog himself.
6. Boredom:
Miniature Poodles are highly energetic dogs and they need to expend their energy in one way or another. They want to play every time and when they are not engaged in any of the fun activities, they start barking for fun or from boredom.
6 Tips to Stop Poodle Barking
Tired of listening to your miniature poodle’s barking? You need to train your friend not to bark at every little thing. Although doing this may take consistent effort, but it is worth it, especially if you have a well-behaved poodle.
Here are few tips on how to train your poodle to stop barking:
1.Don’t Scold:
Despite poodles’ intelligence, they do not understand human language. So, never scold or say no to your poodle when he barks. He might think you are joining them, which encourages him to bark even more.
When your poodle isn’t barking, give them lots of attention, play, stimulation, and love. If your poodle is getting your attention and love and feels secure, he is less likely to bark. If your poodle gets enough play and stimulation, he or she will be less likely to bark out of boredom.
2. Let Them Socialize:
Socialize your poodle from an early age and continue to do so throughout their life to ensure that they are comfortable with all types of people and other dogs, children, and people. This will make them comfortable around people and they will not bark when meeting a stranger.
3. Reward Them with Treats:
You should try teaching your poodle the word “quiet.” If your poodle is barking without any reason, try saying “quiet” calmly. Then, wait for your poodle to be quiet. When they follow up your command, give them a treat and praise them.
Your poodle will eventually learn that the word quiet means they will get a treat if they stop barking. This trick will work every time your poodle bark excessively.
4. Give Them Personal Space:
Miniature poodles like to live in their own space. Make sure your poodle has a quiet place to relax at home. This is critical because poodles require a safe place if they are scared, overwhelmed, tired, grumpy, or simply anti-social.
This can help prevent a poodle from becoming overwhelmed or overexcited, and it will be a great source of comfort for your poodle.
5. Enough Exercise and Playtime:
Make sure your poodle gets enough exercise and stimulation to keep them from becoming bored, but not so much that they become overly excited. This may appear to be difficult to balance, but you should be able to determine what is appropriate for your poodle.
Also, make sure your poodle has a variety of toys and gets at least an hour of exercise per day. You can also take him on walks so that they can enjoy some playtime.
6. Avoid Punishing:
Never punish your poodle for barking; it will only make them bark more because it will make them scared, which is a common barking trigger.
Remember that all dogs and poodles naturally bark, and in the poodle’s eyes, barking is not wrong, so they will not understand why they are being punished for barking and will continue to bark.
Conclusion:
Do miniature poodles bark a lot? Barking is natural in dogs, so is in the miniature poodles. If your poodle barks and you try to stop them, they will not understand that why you want them to stop. If you want to reduce your poodle’s barking, try applying above mentioned tips.
It may take months to see a reduction in barking, and if your poodle has been barking excessively for years, it may take even longer because it has become a habit.