When your dog does something out of the ordinary for them, it’s important to take notice and keep an eye on it. Barking in itself is not an abnormal behavior for dogs, but barking at walls with no obvious reason is certainly behavior that you should monitor.
There are so many reasons why dogs might bark at triggers, and the same goes for barking at walls. Though excessive barking with no clear cause can annoy you, it can concern you too.
Let’s dive into a few of the most likely reasons why your pup barks at the wall and what you can do to help.
A Cognitive Issue
If your dog is on the upper end of the typical lifespan for its breed, they may be experiencing some type of cognitive dysfunction due to old age, leading them to perceive a threat that isn’t there.
Usually, dogs that are barking at the wall in multiple areas or rooms of your home are more likely to be experiencing a mental issue than a dog barking at one specific wall.
Rodents in the Walls
Dogs are very perceptive and have much keener senses of smell and hearing than humans. If your dog barks at nothing but is close to the wall, they may hear a small animal or insect scurrying around that you simply cannot hear.
This could be the case whether your dog is barking at a singular spot or moving around, as your pup’s reaction is likely related to the movement of the pests in the walls.
Something on the Other Side
If you can’t figure out why your dog won’t stop barking at the wall, the first thing to do is to think about what the wall borders and whether your dog could hear or smell something on the other side that gets their attention.
For example, if you know a small animal lives in the room on the other side of the wall, their prey drive is likely triggered by the smells and sounds they’re perceiving. If your dog is barking at a wall that borders the outside of the house, check outside to see if there’s something triggering your dog’s alarm bells.
What to Do About It
If telling your dog to stop barking or even trying to distract them hasn’t solved the problem, you’re not alone. Here are some actionable items that could help with your dog’s strange new habit.
Visit the Vet
Just because your dog is barking at the wall doesn’t necessarily mean they have a cognitive issue. However, you should visit your vet any time your pet develops a new and unusual behavior. A vet can help rule out any medical reason for the change, especially if your dog is getting older.
Consider Calling Pest Control
You may not hear the potential pests your dog senses within the walls, so you won’t know for sure if rodents or insects are the cause of your pup’s reaction until you hire a pest control company to check for you.
If pests do end up being the cause of your dog’s alarm, enlisting the help of a pest control company to remove them is sure to ease your dog’s mind and save you from the loud constant barking. You may even owe your pup a thanks for detecting an infestation before you would have otherwise.
Bark Collars
No-shock bark collars are a completely safe and pain-free way to let your dog know prolonged barking spells are not allowed. The collar will sense excessive barking and let out a warning beep, giving your dog the chance to stop before it emits a light vibration. This sensation will annoy your dog, encouraging them to be quiet so that it stops.
Make Sure They’re Getting Enough Exercise
When your dog has pent-up energy, they’re much more likely to exhibit strange or annoying behaviors simply to entertain themselves. Make sure your dog is getting both physical and mental stimulation throughout the day so that you can rule out boredom barking.