A Golden Retriever barking can be anything from mildly irritating to downright annoying, and it is even more annoying if the owner doesn't understand what is causing the dog to bark in the first place. The same applies to most breeds of dogs, but in this article I will be specifically talking about our beloved Golden Retriever.
I'll outline 7 reasons why your Golden may be barking at you and explain a little about why with each one. The 7 reasons we will cover are boredom, loneliness, hunger, something feels wrong, her playfulness, other animals nearby, and that most basic bodily function - potty time!
7 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Barking
Bored - Golden Retrievers are very active dogs, they aren't content sitting still doing nothing for very long - they need activity and their need your attention! In some cases they seem to want it right now!
Lonely - If you are gone from the home or in areas of your house that the dog cannot go, for long periods at a time, your pet may get lonely. Barking is a call for attention - she needs you!
Hunger - Feed Me! If your golden gets hungry and doesn't have access to food, most of the time she will let you know by barking, continuously, until she gets fed.
Something is Wrong - Dogs have an uncanny ability to know when something just isn't right, situations such as when there is someone unfamiliar in the house, or close by outside the house.
Playfulness - Bred to run and retrieve, the Golden is full of energy and always willing to play games... sometimes even when you aren't, guess how she gets your attention?
Other Animals - Depending on her training, your dog may bark when other animals are close by, during walks, or close to the house - especially if they are unfamiliar to her.
Potty Time - Good training habits will help your dog get used to a potty schedule, but there are times when waiting won't be an option, and guess one more time how she will let you know she needs to go?
These are the most common causes of your Golden Retriever barking at you. Often these are harmless and just indicate the dog is looking for something from you. Other times it can be a total nuisance or disturbance that you do not want to happen - you need to learn how to tell these situations apart, and how to train your Golden Retriever early in life when is appropriate to bark, and when isn't.
