Hello, We have a male 17 week old Labrador puppy - Finn. Just recently (in the last week or two) he’s started barking a lot - particularly early in the morning when he wakes and in the evening a bit. He never used to bark much at all and I let him out in the garden at first when he barks (incase it’s for the toilet.) I’m just wondering could this be because he’s teething and is in pain? We give him two walks a day, love and playtime so I’m worrying about if he is unhappy.. Thanks Lauren
In my experience teething doesn’t cause barking. Here is a good article - https://www.thelabradorsite.com/labrador-barking/ And welcome to you from Mags, Tatze and Keir from Manchester UK Tatze is my pet dog, a black Lab and she's four years old. Tatze means 'paw' in German. Keir is my fifth Guide Dog puppy, a yellow Golden Retriever/Flatcoat cross and he's nine months old.
We didn't experience barking with teething either. Is it possible that Finn has just found his voice? If this is that case, now is the time to decide what barking you are OK with (if any) and what you are not happy with. If he barks and you don't want him to, redirect and reward, reward, reward for quiet.
Keir found his bark at about this age and used to bark at feeding time. So, every time he barked, I stepped away from food preparation. It took ages to feed him! This regime lasted about a week until the penny dropped and he is now quiet at feeding times. He saves his bark now for when we enter a building he’s familiar with. Unfamiliar buildings, he’s fine. But anywhere he knows engenders an excited bark. If he keeps it up he’ll be announcing his presence as a guide dog loud and clear! Lol
Hi all, Thank you for the replies! Ah lovely - nice to hear about your Labs and Dogs I was getting a bit worried because it happens early in the morning about 4.30am/5am and I don't want our neighbours to get peeved! He is starting his first puppy class on Saturday and we have started the "clicker" training - which was advised at our initial puppy class meeting! - Perhaps he is barking as I do this intermittently and he is recognising he is doing good behaviour and I am not always acknowledging as he has got used to it. This is my first pet / puppy and I am worried he is unhappy, but he gets good walks, fed well and comfy bed, toys etc. Any advice would be great! Lauren
No, he’s shouting for you to come to him because he’s awake so it must be moorrrrrrning! If you can’t ignore him make sure you are as boring as possible - no play, no food until ‘proper’ morning. Or this will become a habit. .
