Why do dogs bark at night?

We all hope our dog would sound the alarm if an intruder showed up. But sometimes, at night, every little thing seems to set them off. Sleep is vital for us, our dogs and our neighbours. So, let’s look at why dogs bark at night and what you can do to prevent it. 

Why do dogs bark at night?

Is your dog giving a deep, confident bark to warn off an intruder? A high-pitched, frightened bark? A howl, a whimper, or something in between? There are many reasons dogs bark in the night, and understanding the type of bark helps you tackle the problem.

Different types of barking

The pitch, frequency and duration of a bark can all be clues to what your dog is trying to tell you, and they’re easy to miss when you’re half asleep, if you don’t already know what to listen for. Spend time learning to tell the difference between your pup’s barks, such as: 

• Asking for food or treats,
• Wanting to go outside,
• Alerting you to strangers (and the different bark they use for friends),
• Scared or anxious barking.
  

Territorial barking

Dogs are naturally territorial and bark to alert their pack to danger. Sometimes you’ll hear several dogs in the neighbourhood all calling to each other at night. The reason it can be worse after dark is that there are fewer distractions and less background noise to mask triggers.

In the daytime, watching a person or car move away helps your pup relax. At night, they often can’t see what’s making the sound or investigate, so they stay on edge for longer. Ongoing noises, like wind or storms, can also keep them unsettled for hours. It’s worth learning in advance how to keep your pet calm in a storm. 

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Fear or anxious barking

Not all night barking is territorial. Higher-pitched barks often signal uncertainty or fear, especially if paired with hiding or seeking reassurance. Desensitisation and training can help, though they take time and consistency. Work on strategies that also help calm your dog down during the day.  

Another common cause is separation anxiety. Even if you’re in the house, your dog may panic if they can’t reach you at night. If they follow you all day but are left alone downstairs overnight, that distance can trigger stress. Letting them sleep in your bed isn’t the best solution either, as it can strengthen the attachment, worsening the problem. A crate in your bedroom may be a compromise, but reducing daytime anxiety is equally important.

Boredom barking 

Sometimes there seems to be no trigger for the barking. While dogs do get bored, labelling nighttime barking as boredom isn’t always helpful. Something is preventing these dogs from settling and sleeping, and often, it’s too much energy. Reframe the problem as your pup struggling with restlessness and asking for help. A bedtime routine and extra exercise can help overcome this kind of doggy insomnia. 

Medical issues 

Health problems can also keep a dog awake and vocal. If your pup suddenly starts barking at night, it’s worth checking for medical causes:

• Pain — from arthritis, tummy ache, toothache or other issues can cause barking, though more commonly whining, whimpering or howling.
• Confusion — older dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction may wake up distressed at odd hours.
• Vision loss — night blindness is an early symptom of sight problems.
• Toileting — conditions like diarrhoea, kidney disease or diabetes can mean extra trips outside.
  

Puppy barking 

Puppies may bark for all these reasons at once: they’re hungry, need the toilet, miss littermates, or get startled by noises. Like babies, it can take time for them to learn to sleep through the night. A healthy routine helps with a pre-bed walk or play session, small meal, snuggles, and a cosy bed or crate. Less laid-back puppies might benefit from a nightlight or radio for reassurance.

How to stop dog barking at night 

• Provide plenty of mental and physical exercise during the day.
• Take an evening toilet walk to burn off energy, and adjust to low-light conditions
• Block sights and sounds with curtains, white noise or a radio.
• Use desensitisation training by playing noises very quietly and gradually increasing the volume over several weeks.
• Create a safe sleeping place, like a crate, that can be covered for extra cosiness (as long as the airflow is safe).
• Work on their reaction to triggers during the day and learn calming techniques.
• Teach a “quiet” command, though keep in mind it won’t work if your dog is panicking.

Note: For anxious, fearful dogs, shouting commands often backfires. They’re too worked up to listen, and words like ‘stop’ or ‘quiet’ may even sound to them like you’re barking too, reinforcing their stress. 

Anxious dogs take longer to adapt to new routines and are slower to respond to training. Calming supplements for dogs, whether short, medium or long-term, can provide extra support during retraining. To learn more, find out how calming care tablets work.      

Takeaway

Dogs can bark at night for many reasons, but often the root of the problem begins during the day. Lack of exercise and unaddressed anxiety can spill over into nighttime restlessness. The solution is to make lifestyle changes that support your dog’s wellbeing around the clock.

For insights into which breeds are naturally more alert or high-energy, visit the dog breed library and read about the personality of the Patterdale Terrier, English Springer Spaniel and more.