Are you thinking about adding a Poodle to your family? You may want to know if Poodles bark a lot. Most people don’t want a dog that is constantly barking and disturbing the peace. This is especially true if you’re eating dinner or watching a show or napping – especially napping!
Here’s what the research (and owning a Poodle) tells us about Poodles and barking:
Poodles are moderate to heavy barkers! Poodles will bark at someone walking down the street, someone at the door, or a person or animal on the other side of the fence. They typically need a trigger to bark before they start barking. Fortunately, since Poodles are very intelligent they can be trained not to bark.
Having said that, my Standard Poodle, Annie, almost 3 years old, barks very little when she’s inside the house. She rarely barks at night (she sleeps in my room). Annie will bark at unusual noises and if she’s able to see out a window she will bark at people walking by or people walking dogs walking by! Also, if visitors come to our door she will bark a lot.
Standard Poodles Have a Loud Bark
Annie has confirmed on many occasions with her surprisingly loud deep bark that she likes to bark. When she’s in our fenced backyard Annie is a moderate to heavy barker.
Some of her main triggers when she’s outside include people, dogs, people walking dogs, dogs walking people, and one that really gets her barking, squirrels. Of course, squirrels! She makes it look so fun sometimes I want to join in and bark with her! The neighbors might notice.
This is simply her being territorial and alerting me to potential threats. She is protecting us from harm. This is an ingrained instinct in most dogs regardless of breed and is perfectly natural. This doesn’t mean it’s not bothersome! (Headphones please.)
A Short History of the Poodle
According to the American Kennel Club the Poodle originated in Germany 400 years ago as a duck hunter. In Germany the German word “pudelin” means splashing in water. The playful Poodle was subsequently adopted as the national dog of France. Therefore, today we hear references to the French Poodle. In France the Poodle is referred to as the duck dog or “Caniche”, a French word meaning “Duck Dog”. The athletic Poodle is believed to be a mix between the Barbet and the Hungarian water hound.
Do Different Size Poodles Bark More Than Others?
Poodles are classified into three sizes according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). Typically smaller dogs have a reputation for being relentless, yappy barkers. When it comes to Poodles, regardless of size, this breed is a moderate to heavy barker. These three sizes include:
Standard Poodle – The largest of the 3 Poodle sizes. The Standard Poodle is over 15 inches tall at the highest point of the shoulders. The average height for a Standard Poodle is 18 inches to 24 inches at the withers. The withers are the shoulder blades at the base of the dog’s neck. This large size Poodle generally weighs 45 to 70 pounds which is about 20 to 31 kilograms. My Poodle Annie is a bit small for a Standard Poodle and weighs closer to 45 pounds.
Miniature Poodle – The medium size Poodle. The Miniature Poodle is under 15 inches at the tallest point of the shoulders but not shorter than 10 inches at the tallest point of the shoulders. This Poodle typically weighs 15 to 17 pounds which is about 7 to 8 kilograms.
Toy Poodle – The smallest Poodle. The Toy Poodle is 10 inches or under at the tallest point of the shoulders and weighs around 6 to 9 pounds. This equals about 3 to 4 kilograms.
Some maintain that smaller dogs bark more than larger dogs but that is not the case with the elegant, energetic Poodle.
Why Poodles Bark
Here’s a list of the most common reasons Poodles bark:
- Poodles want attention – A Poodle will bark when it wants something. For example, they want to go outside, they want food or water, they may simply want you to play with them.
- Protecting you from potential harm. Poodles can be extremely territorial. If a person or animal approaches your house or yard this can be a major trigger for lots of barking. As the perceived threat gets closer the barking will potentially get louder and more fierce.
- Sheer Boredom! – Being left alone for extended periods. Poodles are pack animals and prefer to be with their pack. In this instance you and your family members are his or her pack. Poodles can become sad and will bark because they are unhappy. They want you and other family members to be home and play with them or they just want to be together with you.
- Loud noises – this can cause alarm or fear in a Poodle. My Standard Poodle Annie gets anxious during thunderstorms and stays close to me. Independence Day Celebrations here in the U.S. are definitely one of her least favorite days. Unfortunately, in our community the fireworks start every night for several weeks before July 4th and last several weeks or more after July 4th.
How to Teach Your Poodle to Stop Barking
Fortunately, since Poodles are very smart dogs they can be trained how to stop barking. Poodles actually rank #2 in intelligence for all dog breeds after the Border Collie. There are different approaches to teach Poodles how to stop barking which we will explore.
Different Training Methods
There are different schools of thought when it comes to training a Poodle not to bark. Today we’ll examine 4 different approaches to train a Poodle to stop barking.
First Method: Teach your Poodle to bark!
What?? Wait, isn’t that the opposite of what we’re trying to accomplish? I agree, it seems strange to teach your Poodle to bark so you can then ask her not to bark.
The thought process behind this method: At first, reward your Poodle with a treat for barking. After she has mastered barking on command then later during training the dog will be rewarded for not barking.
In other words, you first have to teach your Poodle to start the behavior in order to stop it, otherwise she won’t know what you’re asking her to stop doing.
She will know she’s being good by not barking because of positive reinforcement. Eventually the treat won’t be needed.
Second Method: Using ultrasonic sound devices
These electronic devices(usually in a small plastic housing) are used to discourage the dog from barking. This anti-bark method detects barking and emits an ultrasonic high pitched sound as a response. It is designed to distract and deter the dog from barking.
The device can be carried and used while walking a dog. Additionally, short range devices are placed in the home or devices with a range up to 200 feet are placed outside the home to cover larger areas. Whenever the device detects barking it begins to emit the ultrasonic high pitched sound to deter the dog from barking.
According to Jessica Pierce Ph.D., “They work by imposing an unpleasant sensory experience and they fall into the category of “positive punishment” — using discomfort to get a dog to behave in a particular way.”
Unfortunately, in many cases dog owners are inclined to increase the volume to control the barking. This increased volume in turn increases the discomfort of the dog.
Since this device doesn’t distinguish between excited, happy, or nuisance barking then any barking is punished. Barking is a natural dog behavior and is the way dogs communicate and express themselves.
Third Method: Using a shock collar as a training device.
Many believe this is an inhumane method. The device comes with a remote control which can apply shock to a dog from a distance. This controversial and painful training method can also create aggressive or fearful behavior in a Poodle or any breed of dog.
Fourth Method: Desensitization
Desensitization is a method used to teach your Poodle to tolerate a stressful or “trigger” situation where she would start barking. This is done by slowly and systematically exposing her to the stimulus such as another dog walking by on a leash, a person wearing a hat or unfamiliar type clothing, or any unusual situations that upset him.
The point at which a dog goes from being calm to stressed or agitated is usually referred to as the threshold.
Strategies to help your Poodle stay under her threshold and remain quiet:
Obstructions: When on a walk prevent her from seeing the trigger. Use trees, cars, or even yourself between your Poodle and the trigger to prevent her from reaching her barking threshold.
Distance: Maintain a reasonable distance from your Poodle’s trigger to reduce the chance she’ll react and bark it. If you have to walk to the other side of the street to avoid direct contact with another animal be sure and do so.
The goal is to have your Poodle see her trigger without going over her threshold with a barking frenzy.
Important: Maximize Your Effort With Counter-Conditioning
Counter-conditioning is changing your Poodles conditioned response of barking or lunging. Here’s how to do that. You’ll need some awesome treats, for example, some bacon, cheese, or fresh chicken. It’s extremely important to use treats your dog will love.
As soon as you encounter a trigger and your Poodle is still below the threshold line immediately give her an amazing treat. Be sure and do this consistently each time a trigger appears.
Your Poodle will begin to associate the trigger with a delicious treat. This consistent action will desensitize the dog to her triggers.
For example, you may want to sit out in your yard with your Poodle on a leash in order to guarantee she’ll be exposed to her triggers. As soon as a person or a dog appears be sure and immediately give her a treat. As you do this over and over she will be reconditioned to stop barking or overreacting to the triggers.
You will eventually be able to reduce the treats as she forms new habits. It may take some time but it will be well worth the effort.
Be sure and check out this article: Are Standard Poodles Good Family Pets?
Famous Poodle Owners – You’re in Good Company!
John F Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy had Gaullie (named after Prime Minister of France, Charles DeGaulle) living with them at the White House. President Kennedy requested the dog be brought to greet him when he got off a plane.
Other famous Poodle owners include Walt Disney, Lucille Ball, Katharine Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and Elvis Pressley. It was not unusual for Elvis to give Poodles to his girlfriends!
Of course, being known as the National Dog of France the Poodle has a long and illustrious history tied to the French. King Louis XVI had many Poodles during his reign as King of France from 1774 to 1791. Following his lead the French Royal Court also embraced the Poodle as their pet of choice. Toy Poodles with fancy haircuts were carried like trophies by the French during this time period. The Poodle was pampered and admired.
Conclusion
Yes, Poodles are considered moderate to heavy barkers but can be trained to stop barking. Teaching a Poodle to stop barking takes patience and repetition and can be done humanely.
Poodles not only make great family dogs they are also one of the highest performing dogs in competitions around the world. This includes agility, hunting, and nosework. The elegant, social Poodle makes a wonderful family addition.
The Standard Poodle makes a great service dog and companion for people with disabilities. Poodles also make excellent emotional or support dogs. According to supportdogcertification.org, “The energetic and agile poodles are considered by many professional trainers to be the ideal service dog breed.”
It may seem a daunting task but teaching the proud, athletic, fun-loving Poodle not to bark is quite possible and is well worth the effort. Cheers!