Do Golden Retrievers Like to Bark? How to Stop Excessive Barking

1 Overview

Why a Golden Retriever Barks Excessively

Generally Goldens rarely bark, being gentle, obedient, and smart – they sense their owner’s moods and stay calm if you dislike barking. That is why they are called ‘little suns’ and ‘warm boys.’

But every dog is different; some are born barkers and need training to avoid disturbing neighbors.

If a normally quiet Golden suddenly barks a lot, consider stress or pain. A new environment causes fear-based barking; a stranger triggers alert barking. Sick dogs or those needing the toilet also bark. Observe the behavior, find the cause, and comfort it to calm down.

How to Train a Dog Not to Bark

1. If it barks all day, try ignoring it – boredom stops the behavior. Scolding may be read as interaction or arguing.

2. An overseas animal behaviorist rang a bell whenever the dog barked; once the dog’s attention shifted and it stopped, he rewarded it with food. Over time the dog went quiet at the bell.

3. Some dogs bark from excess energy with no outlet. Goldens are sporting dogs with high stamina – take them out to play and run; a tired dog is quiet.

The above covers why Goldens bark and how to stop it. For more training tips, see our guide on barking, food guarding, and biting.