Q:  My dog spends all his time in the yard, seemingly barking at nothing. This can’t be good for him, and it’s upsetting my neighbors. What can I do?

A:  Consider the causes of your dog’s barking. Are they triggered by neighbors, cars, passing dogs, wildlife, or smells? Maybe they are barking due to physical discomfort, such as pain from playing or standing outside. It may be raining or too hot, and they want to go back in. Your dog tries to communicate their feelings, so do not ignore the barking. Barking can be a self-reinforcing activity unless you interrupt the cycle.

Reduce visual and audible triggers when possible. Installing a solid fence set back from the road helps eliminate seeing passersby and creates distance from road sounds. Fence fabric for chain link fences or deck railings is a cheap and easy solution. Outdoor speakers could be placed along the fence at your dog’s height or ground level with calming music or talk radio playing softly.

In addition to blocking visual triggers, set up your dog’s play area away from the fence line. Provide a variety of enrichment such as a kiddie pool, dig box, agility equipment, a tug or tetherball setup. Some dogs are happy to entertain themselves, while others prefer your company.

Consider rest time for them as well. Use food puzzle toys to promote relaxation as a break from physical play. If they have a known mat relaxation behavior, set up a cot or mat outside for them in a quiet, protected area of the yard. If possible, provide multiple resting areas: one in a shady area of the grass and another near you. Always offer access to fresh water and remove any objects that collect standing water. Keep the water bowl by the door to the house so it reinforces leaving the fence to return.

Training can be both enriching as well as task-oriented. Teach your dog to nose target and have them run to touch your hand, bringing them away from the fence. You can then toss a treat through the doorway into the house to reinforce coming inside. Teach your dog to turn away from the fence and triggers beyond by using Pattern Games such as Give Me a Break and 1-2-3.

Even with management in place and training and behavior modification exercises, intervention is needed for repeated barking. Bring them inside and only let them out during quiet times of the day to avoid overstimulation. When they are outside, stay with them to keep them engaged and distracted. Reducing or eliminating barking may decrease your dog’s stress level, as well as yours and your neighbors.