How To Stop A Weimaraner From Barking

While scientists have long known that barking is more than random noise, more and more research points to barking being just another form of communication. But what are dogs trying to tell us?

There are many different reasons why a dog might bark, and we’ll go over that too. Read to learn how to stop Weimaraner barking as well as what not to during the process.

Table of Contents hide

1 Why Do Weimaraners Bark?

1.1 They’re Being Protective

1.2 They Are Scared

1.3 They Are Bored or Lonely

1.4 They Have Separation Anxiety

1.5 They Are Seeking Attention

1.6 They Are Greeting You

2 How to Stop a Weimaraner from Barking

2.1 Use Sight Barriers

2.2 Set up a Quiet Zone

2.3 Use Bark Control Devices

2.4 Train Him

2.5 Ignore the Barking

3 Bottom Line

Why Do Weimaraners Bark?

They’re Being Protective

When a person or another animal comes into your dog’s territory (your home), that often triggers excessive barking. Your Weimaraner may see them as threats, so it will bark to sound the alarm.

They Are Scared

Sometimes, dogs will bark at any object or noise that catches their attention or startles them. This is something that can happen just about anywhere, not just at home.

Nelly only sometimes barks at my room’s ceiling fan, no matter if it’s spinning or still. Or I might have a ceiling ghost, who knows.

They Are Bored or Lonely

In the wild, dogs are pack animals. They are used to having company and do not react well when left alone for prolonged periods. And when they’re bored, they’ll bark to show how unhappy they are.

They Have Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety occurs when a dog that’s hyper-attached to its owner gets overly stressed when left alone. Other symptoms of separation anxiety also include destructiveness, inappropriate elimination, and depression. It’s not fully understood why some dogs suffer from separation anxiety and others don’t.

I’ve written a post about Weimaraners and dealing with their separation anxiety here.

They Are Seeking Attention

Attention seeking is common in Weimaraners, whether they’re pups or adults. This happens when a dog is bored, isn’t getting enough exercise or mental stimulation, or is genuinely not getting enough attention from its owner.

They Are Greeting You

Dogs might bark when they are greeting a person or another dog. This is usually a sign of joy and is accompanied by tail wags and jumping.

How to Stop a Weimaraner from Barking

Use Sight Barriers

To stop territorial or alarm barking at the window or in the yard, you can try blocking your Weimaraner’s sightline to potential triggers. This could be privacy fencing, curtains or blinds, plastic film, or spray-on glass coating.

Set up a Quiet Zone

If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety and starts barking as soon as you leave the house, set up a place for them away from the front door. This can be a room or a spare space where you can place a comfy bed for them with some toys to keep them busy.

Use Bark Control Devices

Thanks to the advances of technology, dog owners can now enjoy the benefits of using gadgets designed specifically for dogs. There are plenty of products on the market that can help you gently control your Weimaraner’s barking. These usually come in the form of ultrasonic devices, stress-reducing collars, spray collars, and pressure wraps.

Train Him

Thankfully, there are also a few ways you can train your dog to stop. But do note that it does take a bit of time, dedication, and patience. Some of these methods include:

• Teaching your dog to bark on command so that they known when not to bark.
• Using commands like “quiet” or “settle” to help them calm down on cue. Similarly, you can teach them to “sit” or “stay.”
• Having a recall, which is one of the most important skills your dog can learn. This allows you to call your dog away from any triggers.

If you’re struggling with training, you can either attend local dog training classes, or if you prefer, online classes such as this dog training course.

Ignore the Barking

If your Weimaraner is barking simply to get your attention, ignore them for as long as it takes them to stop. When they finally calm down and stop barking, reward them with a treat. They won’t change their behavior right from the first try, but if you’re patient and try this method frequently, they may stop seeking too much attention.

What NOT to Do to Keep Your Dog from Barking

• Don’t yell at them. Shouting will only make your dog bark more because you’re basically giving them what they want, which is often your full attention. Instead, speak firmly but calmly.
• Don’t allow the problem to go on and on. The longer your Weimaraner does something, the more ingrained that behavior becomes. Deal with barking issues as quickly as possible.
• Don’t ignore medical problems. Sometimes, a dog barks because it is in pain. This can be anything from a simple bee sting to ongoing pain caused by a disease.

Bottom Line

Once you know why your Weimaraner is barking, you can start working on decreasing this annoying habit. If you can’t succeed on your own, seek a certified professional that can help tailor a training plan specific to your dog.

I know that during lockdowns it’s impossible to go to a dog trainer, but thanks to modern technology you can access training courses on the internet. I can recommend the Brain Training For Dogs by a certified dog trainer.

Dana

I’ve always loved dogs, ever since I was a child, but I wasn’t allowed to have one. I dog-sit my sister's Weimaraner often. I decided to start this blog and share what I’ve learned about Nelly, the Weimaraner breed, and dogs in general from scientific papers and journals and my own personal experience. Learn more about Dana.