How to Stop Barking Dogs in Kennels

Dogs are vocal animals who bark for a variety of reasons. In a kennel setting, they bark due to anxiety, fear and boredom. They also bark because they miss their owners, and to communicate with the other kennel inhabitants. If a dog barks excessively in a kennel setting, it can pose a problem as it sets off a chain reaction in the other dogs, and often, the entire kennel joins in. This ongoing barking is not pleasant for anyone working or living in the vicinity.

Things You'll Need

  • Radio
  • Water fountain
  • Television
  • Toys
  • Dog bed
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Instructions

    • 1

      Play a radio softly by the kenneled dogs. Choose a soothing station that offers soft listening. Classical music, elevator music or simple melodies are ideal.

    • 2

      Place a television where the dogs can see the screen and hear the show. If the television cannot be placed within sight of the dogs, then simply turn one on within hearing range Dogs enjoy the sound of human voices and will often cease barking in order to listen.

    • 3

      Place a water fountain or waterfall that empties into a small pond by outside kennels. The sound of running water is soothing and often calms excessive barking.

    • 4

      Separate two dogs who can see each other and seem to be barking excessively, ready to fence fight. Once the dogs no longer have a visual of each other, the barking will often cease.

    • 5

      Put up a barrier if the dogs are barking at livestock, chickens, cars that drive by, or cats that wander near the kennel. The barrier can be a wall, hedge or blinds that prevent the dogs from seeing these things.

    • 6

      Provide toys and chew toys in the kennel for barking dogs to enjoy. Many dogs bark out of boredom so providing them with something to do often stops the barking.

    • 7

      Exercise the dogs regularly. Many dogs bark in a kennel due lack of activity so try to walk or play with them at least twice a day.

    • 8

      Control the temperature of the kennel. Many dogs will bark when too hot or too cold. Make sure the dog is in a draft-free kennel that is comfortable. If the dog is in an outside kennel, be sure there is ample shade.

    • 9

      Maintain a regular feeding and exercise schedule. Dogs quickly learn a schedule for meals and exercise. They will begin to depend on this schedule and will often bark when their internal clock tells them the schedule is off.