Does anyone else’s lab startle bark? Our 15 month old lab has recently started barking when he’s sound asleep and there’s a loud noise (someone drops something, appears out of nowhere, etc). It stops almost instantly once he realizes what’s going on but it’s been tough to curb. I throw treats if I can catch him when he is startled awake but before he barks. It seems to be much worse after a long day of playing and not many naps, it’s almost like a grumpy toddler. I’ve been increasing nap times/quiet times and taking long decompression walks which has helped enormously but curious if other people have the same issue. His bark is quite deep and very startling!
Yes we’ve had that too. Ours is also 15 months old although this started a bit earlier I think ... There are times when I could swear he was barking at a dream and woke himself up. Other times there has been something beyond iur hearing range (a mouse in the back ard for eg) or someone passing in the street. It seems territorial, I think. At least triggeredd by stuff outside but close to the house.
Mine does the same. Usually a noise outside. When we are around it is a very deep loud bark but during the night it is more of a howl. Really not good for the nerves!