Puppies test your patience in a lot of ways, and barking is usually one of them. When it gets out of hand, you stop being able to think straight.
Growing up with Sarplaninacs, I’ve seen simple training techniques bring things back under control without punishment.
You just need to know what’s bothering them.
Triggers for Puppy Barking
Barking is how puppies communicate. If you know what’s behind it, training gets a lot easier. Here’s what usually causes it:
- Attention and Interaction: Puppies bark to get you to play, show affection, or just pay attention.
- Fear and Anxiety: New places, loud noises, strangers – anything unfamiliar can scare a puppy and the barking starts.
- Territorial Behavior: Guarding is instinct. With Sarplaninac puppies, I’ve seen this kick in early – someone walks past the yard or there’s an odd sound nearby, and they’re already barking. That’s just who they are.
- Boredom and Lack of Stimulation: Without walks, brain games, or anything to do, barking is what fills the gap.
- Hunger, Thirst, or Discomfort: Full bladder, empty bowl, something hurting – puppies bark because they need something and have no other way to say it.
Where Most Owners Go Wrong
A lot of owners make the same mistakes without realizing it.
Yelling is the big one! – What are you actually achieving?
Ignoring the barking isn’t always the answer either. If the puppy is barking for attention, don’t give it.
But if something is actually bothering or scaring them, ignoring it just makes things worse.
And if there’s a real reason (someone at the door, an unfamiliar sound) telling the puppy to be quiet doesn’t help.
You need to deal with what caused it or give the puppy something else to focus on.
How We Stop Excessive Barking
Stopping the puppy from making noise isn’t about reacting every time it happens.
Watch what triggers it. If the puppy starts every time you walk away, that’s attention-seeking.
Fear? Let the puppy get used to new sounds and situations without pushing too hard too fast. A neighbor walking by, a car door slamming – small things first, and it stops treating everything like a threat.
If it’s barking for attention, ignore it. No eye contact, no touching, no talking. Any reaction tells the puppy that this gets results. Wait until it’s quiet, then reward that.
The puppies with too much energy? Walks, play, mental exercise – get that energy out before it becomes a problem.
Basic commands like “sit” or “stay” help, but nothing stops it in the moment like a short sound for silance. In our kennel, we use “Psssttt” command. No yelling, no long commands, just one signal that means stop.
Nighttime Barking (Practical Solutions)
Most nighttime barking comes down to two things: the puppy needs to go out, or it’s still getting used to the new environment.
Sort the potty schedule first. A young puppy can’t hold it through the night, so the last thing you do before bed is take it outside. No exceptions.
Crate training helps a lot here. During the day, leave the crate open with a toy or treat inside so the puppy starts going in on its own. Once it stops seeing the crate as a bad place, nighttime gets a lot quieter.
For the first few nights, keep the crate close enough that you can hear the puppy. You need to know if it actually needs to go out or if it’s just testing you.
After a few nights, move the crate to its final spot.
Don’t go running in every time the puppy whimpers (it knows you’ll show up). Wait it out, and if it’s still going after a while, take it outside – and back to the crate. [1]
Stick to the same routine every night and the puppy figures out that nighttime means sleep.
Why Puppies Bark at Other Dogs
Barking at other dogs usually comes from fear or frustration.
Fear happens when the puppy feels threatened by another dog’s presence.
The barking is just a defense – back off, stay away.
Frustration is different. That usually happens when the puppy is on a leash or behind a fence and can’t get to the other dog. It wants to play and can’t, so it barks.
In our kennel, we can tell the difference right away. A confident Sarplaninac and a fearful one don’t bark the same way.
Good temperament shows – the puppy holds its ground, tail up, curious. A fearful one cowers, trembles, and barks differently.
Those signs mean one thing – my father steps in with training.
Conclusion
Whatever the trigger is (cat, man, another dog) I use these methods.
Training is about what you do every day. That’s the only way to get rid of this habit for good.
If you’re stuck, don’t wait it out. Get a professional involved.
Every puppy is different and sometimes you need someone who can see exactly what’s going on.
Sources:
- Zaustavite lajanje štenca (more information).
