According to dog experts, Staffies are about average barkers, which means they bark a good deal less than most other dog breeds. Of course, this depends on several factors, including how well you have trained and socialized your Staffy.
Let’s go further in-depth on this Staffy barking guide to really determine if Staffies bark a lot.
Are Staffies Barkers?
All dogs, including Staffies, will bark; it’s their primary means of communication. But what concerns owners is nuisance barking, not the occasional vocal communication that goes with dog ownership.
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Barking is the most common form of canine interaction, and it can mean a variety of things depending on the situation. If your Staffy barks too much, to stop and avoid excessive barking, you must first identify the reasons why it’s happening.
Staffies bark for various reasons, each with its own significance; establish why your Staffy is barking first, and if it’s over the top, you can do something to prevent it from happening in the future.
Do Staffies Bark Much?
As previously mentioned, Staffies are not your typical nuisance barker. Having said that, bad behaviour is something every dog can develop depending on the circumstances, including Staffies. So, in general terms, it doesn’t help you that much to say Staffies don’t bark much if your dog is driving everyone crazy with incessant barking.
So Let’s discuss the reasons why your Staffy is barking too much.
Why Does My Staffy Bark So Much?
Territorial Barking
When your Staffy is alerted to someone in the backyard, garden, at the door, or by the sound of other dogs, they may begin to bark. Barking will generally become louder as the perceived risk gets closer.
Territorial barking can be a good thing if you want your Staffy to alert you to what might be going on outside and be a good watchdog. But if left uncontrolled, it can soon turn into an unhealthy and excessive problem.
Stress and Fear Barking
It’s not unusual for dogs to bark out warnings and expressions of disapproval when confronted with a wide range of stimuli. Because of this, barking is a way for Staffies to express their dislike for someone or something approaching, or for feeling constricted or trapped in a situation they don’t enjoy.
Boredom and Loneliness Barking
Staffies are family-oriented dogs and want to be as close to their humans as possible, more so than many other dog breeds. Leaving your Staffy alone for long periods will make the dog bored and make them lonely.
Dogs have no concept of time. You can be gone five minutes or five hours; the amount of attention you’ll get on returning will be just the same.
Greeting or Play Barking
It is common for Staffordshire Bull Terriers to bark while greeting people or other family pets. It’s usually a happy bark with lots of leaping and tail wagging.
Attention Barking
It’s a Staffy thing that they’ll bark when they want something, such as going for a walk, feeding time, playing, or just wanting a snack.
Separation Anxiety
This type of barking is an extension of boredom and loneliness barking. Except you could say, it’s gone up a notch. It will be more strident barking and will also be continual. Constantly being left alone for hours will develop into severe behavioural problems.
How Do I Stop My Staffy From Barking?
Here are a few techniques you can try to curb your Staffy barking problems.
Remove Any Temptation
What does your Staffy get from barking? If certain factors are encouraging your dog to bark, then get rid of them.
Ignore Your Staffy Barking
Ignore your Staffy’s barking for as long as it takes them to stop. When they’re finally quiet, reward them.
Exercise Can Be a Key Factor
Staffordshire Bull Terriers need both mental and physical stimulation every day. It’s important to remember that a weary Staffy is typically an excellent dog and is less prone to bark out of boredom or frustration.
Consult a Professional
Consider contacting a professional dog behaviourist for assistance if you suspect your Staffy is a compulsive barker and you’ve exhausted every method with little to no success.
Staffy Barking at Night, How to Stop It?
Your Staffy may be barking at night for several reasons. Boredom, anxiety, being alone, wanting attention, and not getting enough exercise are all examples of this. While all of these things could be causing the problem, the answers are relatively straightforward.
If your Staffy sleeps outside, bring them into the home. Staffies don’t do well outside anyway, but loneliness and boredom will be huge factors here.
Another way is to exercise your Staffy thoroughly before bedtime. I know it’s not always convenient, but a tired Staffy is less likely to keep you up at night with incessant barking.
Conclusion
Not many Staffies are anti-social barkers, but it’s something that you should curb as young and as soon as possible. Being proactive with exercise, socialization, and training will help in nearly all cases of nuisance barking.
