Why do dogs bark more at night?

Question

Are they afraid or is there too much noise in the day to hear them?

Answer 1

Some animals come out at night that dogs bark at like raccoons, coyotes, and possums. Also, with reduced visibility dogs may find things more threatening because they can't sense them as well. It could just be that during the day there are a lot of other things going on so you don't pay attention to the dogs barking as much as at night when it is fairly quiet.

Answer 2

In psychodynamic theory, dogs bark more at night because of their ever-active rods in their retina or eyes. When the light dims, the rods begin to take action yet start conflicting with the activity of the cones in the retina because of the hyperactivity of the dog at such a late hour. As a result, surges in the brain cause hallucinations in front of the dog that appear to look like ambiguous shadows. Most people release certain hormones into their blood during these late hours so they usually do not come into the same situation. If they do, they call them demons. But the demons are afraid of the dark so we can debunk that theory right away.

From an intellectual perspective, dogs bark at night because they the absence of the sun gives them increased boosters in intelligence. Once this source of knowledge and brightness diminishes, the intelligence is gone. Therefore, dogs become mentally unstable at night. Sometimes, they try to be like wolves -- they try to be posers of their ancestors but they fail miserably.

Some dogs consume a very amiable, narcotic drink at night by urinating in their water bowels and then drinking the solution. This solution is called 5% Molar Estupiocarbohydroxalate dracostolleolum . . . or more simply "Stupid Juice."

nah they seem to bark more only cuz we are more alert at night of our surroundings. they don't really bark more, we're just stupid enough to believe they do.

Answer 3

I think Some dogs are afraid and some hear things and they don't know what they are or they hear things they don't understand.
It seems like some dogs bark when they hear another dog bark too.
The other night I was outside and it was very quiet. No dogs were barking. My dog barked one bark and another in the distance barked one bark. I guess dogs were sleeping good that night. Not a creature was stirring.

Answer 4

As a technical matter, the reason dogs bark is because people bred them to. None of the ancestors of dogs bark - wolves, for example, which are the wild animals that people domesticated to become dogs, do not bark. Dogs were gradually selected for making noise - vocalizing is more human, so dogs that did it would tend to be the dogs people liked and bred. As dogs started to make noises, the ones that made noises at intruders were valuable as a sort of ancient burglar alarm. The trait of barking gradually became part of the modern dog over several thousand years for these reasons.

Answer 5

you are correct on both counts... they're more afraid at nights and yes, too much noises during the day. They also bark when other dogs are barking or howling at night.

Answer 6

Because thats when the demons are roaming around. But all of my dogs bark more during the day than at night. The demons here are scared of the dark.

Answer 7

I'd vote for the too much noise during the day theory. Personally, most dogs I've been around at night are asleep and aren't barking at all.

Answer 8

"A reasonable amount o' fleas is good fer a dog --keeps him from broodin' over bein' a dog"

Why Do Dogs Bark?

Barking, in addition to whining, howling and growling, is a dog's natural means of communication. Barking is characterized by a series of short, sharp sounds, that tend to vary little in tone or pitch. A dog's bark can signify territorial protection, exertion of dominance, or expression of some need. Typically, barking is "a means of communication triggered by a state of excitement." Being a natural trait, barking is not considered a behavioural problem, until it is produced in excess.

Causes of Problem Barking

Problem barking has a variety of origins. Genetics does influence a dog's tendency to bark. Certain breeds belonging to the terrier family are prone to more frequent barking than breeds such as Greyhounds or Basenjis. Generally, however, excess barking can exist in any breed of dog. The key to solving the problem of inappropriate barking is to determine what external stimulus is triggering the behaviour. Improper confinement can be a major cause of problem barkers.

Solutions to Excess Barking

Excess barking can be a serious behavioural problem and can mean the termination of the relationship with your dog or the dog itself if left untreated. The following text includes information on how to solve your dog's problem barking as recommended by the veterinary profession.

The first step in solving problem barking, is to determine if your dog is barking in response to inadequate shelter or improper confinement. If this is the case, the dog must be provided with a comfortable amount of space or supplied with a doghouse if outdoor shelter is inadequate. Increasing the amount of exercise given to your dog may also help.

In the event your dog is barking in response to environmental noises, or the barking is simply due to its temperament, behavioural modification methods should be used. These methods can include reconditioning using a verbal reprimand such as "No!", and leash correction. It should be noted however, that you should never yell at your dog, as loud noises may encourage your pet to bark more. Also keep in mind the punishment should be applied while the barking is occurring, in order for your dog to associate the unwanted behaviour with the punishment. Also remember to reward your dog when it stops barking.

Indirect intervention methods can also be applied. These techniques can range from spraying your dog with water while it is barking, to using noise producing devices such as "Dog Stop" or "Barker Breaker," which emit loud or high frequency sounds that interrupt and deter barking. These devices can be controlled by the owner, or triggered by the dog's barking. In the event your dog is resistant to these behavioural modifications, more drastic action can be taken in the form of bark activated shock collars. This device is particularly effective when barking occurs in the owner's absence. Shock collars, however, are recommended only after other control measures have failed. A final resort, when all other behavioural modification methods have been tried, and particularly when the dog's life is in question, is a vocal cordectomy (debarking). This surgical procedure involves removal of all or part of the vocal cords.

The key to solving the problem of excess barking in your dog begins with an understanding of what is causing this behaviour. Once you have determined a cause, you have a greater chance of choosing the most effective solution (e.g., more exercise) or behavioural modification. Modifying such an instinctive and natural behaviour as barking can be difficult, and may require considerable patience, time, and hard work. Solutions, however, are possible, and worth the effort.

Answer 9

Because all the dogs who went in the day in search of food are back to theire places & to share whole day activities with each other they bark in the night.

Answer 10

Because its dark and they cant make out what things are. My dog barks at people at night until they get close enough. They are just try to scare off unfamiliar things.