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My dog barks at night and strangers. Is he anxious? How can I stop it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labradoodle | Male | neutered | 8 months and 26 days old | 63 lbs

My dog has started barking excessively once it gets dark. During the day he rarely barks and is a super friendly dog. At night inside the house, he will bark at the slightest movement he sees outside. I have tried blocking him from the windows, but he still randomly barks. When outside for walks at night he's started to bark at strangers. He's not aggressive, but he's a big dog with a big bark and it frightens people. Is he afraid? How can I stop the behavior without using any type of e collar?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

Veterinarian

Published on October 6th, 2017

It is probably best to consult a behaviourist that will follow through his progress and target advice to Bueller’s needs. In general it might be worthy to find a more secluded area for his bed at night. It might be an idea to confine him and put a blanket over at bedtime and stick to a routine, he should gradually understand that it’s bedtime if every evening after his last walk you put him in his bed with a biscuit. I think it might be worthy to get him used to be confined during the day first for short periods of time, providing some form of entertainment such as a Kong stuffed with meat ( canned food that can be frozen too -so it lasts longer ). When out on a walk you should prevent him from barking by distracting him and giving him a treat/praise when not quiet. Hope this makes sense.. I have a dog with similar temperament the only difference is that she is small and so not too frightening. I would say the sooner you start to work with a behaviourist, the better !

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    Answered By Joy Fuhrman, DVM, MBA, CPA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It is possible that Bueller may be having a problem with his eyes making it more difficult for him to see at night and hence more anxious and afraid. I recommend you have him checked out by your veterinarian or a veterinary ophthalmologist to see if this is a factor. You may also want to consider working with a veterinary behaviorist. You can find one in your area on www.acvb.org.

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