How Often do Poodles Bark?
Barking is a major factor in many people’s decision-making process for dogs. Unfortunately, barking dogs are not good in most situations. So, to avoid this, I will delve into poodles and their barking habits.
Poodles are considered to be moderate barkers. They do not bark for no reason. However, poodles may bark fairly often according to different triggers. However, poodles are highly intelligent and can be easily trained not to bark.
Although poodles are not perfect, there are ways to fix their barking habits. To help you and your poodle with barking, I will explain how to train your poodle not to bark.
Poodles’ Barking Habits
There are seemingly endless things that are great about poodles. Poodles are simply wonderful dogs to have in your home.
However, the largest issue that people have with poodles is the dog’s tendency to bark. Poodles bark somewhat often. When there is no training done to prevent barking, you will hear your poodle speaking often.
Poodles are simply very vocal dogs.
When there is no training done to prevent barking, you will hear your poodle speaking often.
However, poodles only bark for a reason. Although it may seem like there is nothing to be barking about, there is almost always something that triggers a yappy poodle.
And, luckily, poodles are extremely intelligent. This means that although poodles bark often, you can train poodles not to bark fairly easily.
There are three common types of poodles:
- Standard Poodles
- Miniature Poodles
- Toy Poodles
These three types of poodles are all based on their size, with the standard poodle being the largest and the toy poodle being the smallest.
| Height | Weight | |
| Toy Poodle | Up to 10 in. | 5-10 lbs. |
| Mini Poodle | 10-15 in. | 15-20 lbs. |
| Standard Poodle | Over 15 in. | 40-60 lbs. |
With the reputation the smaller dogs have towards barking, most people assume the toy poodles and mini poodles are the ones with the largest issues of barking and poodles.
However, despite the differences within sizes, each type of poodle has the same tendency to bark.
If you have been around each of these types of poodles, you would know that they each have the same desire to bark at certain things and situations. Size is not a variable in barking.
That is not to say that within dog breeds, size is not a factor in barking. The reputation is true that often small dogs are the ones that will dog the most barking.
However, because each poodle type is within the same dog breed, the size does not change anything. So, if you are looking to base your poodle type decision making on the barking habits, you are out of luck. Each poodle is equal in this regard.
Why Poodles Bark and What to do About it
As I have mentioned previously, there is a purpose for poodles barking.
Poodles are not barking because they just want to have a chat. There are direct sounds, sights, and actions that trigger a poodle to bark.
The most common reasons for poodles barking are:
- Being left alone
- Thunderstorms (loud noises)
- People walking by
- To protect you
- To protect their-self
- Boredom
- Guests coming in
- Excitement
These are all very reasonable reasons to bark. Poodles are very sensitive and emotional. Every bark is a reaction to one of these things. And yet, most people do not want a barking dog.
So, what can you do?
There are some easy fixes that will work for each of these reasons to bark.
| Reason | Description | Solution |
| Being left alone | Poodles have high separation anxiety. So, when left alone, it is common for a poodle to begin barking. | – Leave some calming sounds on – Place poodle by a window to look around – Leave a light on |
| Thunderstorms | Poodles have high sensitivity to loud noises and flashes. Because of this sensitivity, poodles often have trouble in thunderstorms. | – Slowly expose your poodle to loud noises. – Play thunderstorm recording softly at first and then slowly turn the volume up. |
| People walking by | Often, poodles will bark at people passing by simply as a warning. The poodle wants to announce he/she hears possible danger. | – Socialization is important for this. Slowly get the poodle used to this situation. |
| To protect you | Poodles are extremely attached and protective. This means that poodles are very likely to bark in order to protect you. | – Simply show your poodle there is no danger. – Talk to your poodle and give lots of pets of assurance. |
| To protect themselves | Barking for protection often occurs when a poodle’s territory is being invaded. This especially relates to the food and water dish. | – Make sure your poodle has their own area away from others to eat, etc. – Don’t approach him/ her while eating. |
| Boredom | If poodles are not given anything to get their energy out, they will become bored. They will bark simply because they have nothing else to do. | – The solution to this is simple. Give your poodle a toy, or many toys. Or, you can always play fetch, etc. |
| Guests coming in | They are unfamiliar with the people and not used to other people in their space. | – Socialization is the key solution here. – Make sure you praise when they do something right like not barking. |
| Excitement | Poodles are easily excited. Especially when they see their loved owner, poodles will begin to bark from excitement. | – The best solution is to ignore your poodle barking. When, you come in, do not give your poodle attention until he/ she has settled down. |
These are all perfectly reasonable reasons for your poodle to bark. And, the solutions are fairly simple. It does not take a lot of work to stop your poodle from barking in the moment.
However, you will need to be aware of what is causing your poodle to bark.
You simply have to look out for what is around and listen. It should not be too difficult to understand what is making your poodle bark. Once you’ve discovered by your poodle is barking, you can easily fix the behavior.
However, many of these solutions are simply targeted at one reason for barking.
Training a Poodle Not to Bark
As a poodle owner, it is important that you focus on training your poodle not to bark. This will take a consistent effort. But, it will be worth it when you have a well behaved, non-barking poodle.
There are a few approaches that people take in training a poodle not to bark.
One method that is very common is to train your poodle to follow the “speak” command. Whenever your poodle barks, you give him/her the “speak” command and a treat. Eventually you will be able to give the command, and your poodle will bark.
Focus on training your poodle not to bark. This will take a consistent effort. But, it will be worth it when you have a well behaved, non-barking poodle.
Then, you can start to teach your poodle the “quiet” command. After giving the speak command, you can give the quiet command. Once your poodle has stopped barking, you praise and give a treat.
Personally, this is not my favorite method of training because you have to first praise your dog for barking, just to switch. It may be confusing.
Although many people are fans of this method of bark training, I will give more details about the method of training that I like the best.
1. Ignore Barking
Whenever you poodle barks, simply ignore them.
Do not so much as glance their way while they are barking. Continue ignoring for the entirety of their barking, no matter how long he/ she barks for.
2. Reward Poodle for Being Quiet
Once your poodle has cooled down and stopped barking, then you can break and give your poodle all the attention.
When they are quiet, you can give them treats, pets, and praises.
3. Repeat
Continue using this method.
As you repetitively ignore your poodle’s barking and give him/ her attention for being quiet, he/ she will notice.
This method works so well because poodles just love your attention. And, especially while they are barking, they want to be heard. So, when they discover that they are more noticed when they are quiet, they won’t bark in order to receive attention.
It is important in this method of training to not punish barking.
Simply ignoring your poodle’s barking will do more than punishing your poodle for barking. This is because the love to have your attention. So, even while you are yelling at him/ her, it will be seen as attention.
Remember:
In the end, poodles have a natural tendency to bark.
Without good training, poodles will bark. But, poodles are also intelligent and able to pick up on training. So, barking is preventable and you can have a poodle with good barking manners.
