How Much Do Labradoodles Bark? Facts & Training Tips

The Labradoodle is a mix between a Poodle and a Labrador, and they are sweet, loving, highly intelligent, and make great family pets. If you have been considering adopting a Labradoodle, you might have heard they bark a lot. While that’s not a common trait, Labradoodles are moderate barkers, so some people prefer not to have them in apartments or areas where the neighbors might complain. However, if you’re looking for a dog that’s a moderate barker, you couldn’t pick a better pet than the Labradoodle.

Below, we’ll discuss how much Labradoodles bark and more, so join us.

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How Much Do Labradoodles Bark?

Labradoodles are known to be moderate barkers. They do bark, but it is not a constant issue. Unlike the breeds that bark whenever they hear a pin drop, Labradoodles typically bark when they’re excited or think something is wrong.

For instance, your Labradoodle might bark when they see a squirrel or someone they don’t think should be there in your home. For this reason, Labradoodles excel as guard dogs; they bark if they think there’s an intruder.

This is also why they make great apartment dogs; since they bark rarely, they aren’t likely to bother your neighbors. But, of course, all dogs are different; while Labradoodles, on average, are mild barkers, yours might be different. So, what do you do if you wind up with a particularly yappy Labradoodle?

labradoodle dog barking
Image Credit: sophiecat, Shutterstock

divider-dogHow to Train Your Labradoodle to Bark Less

To understand how to train a dog not to bark, you must understand why dogs bark in the first place. Dogs bark for various reasons, from boredom to loneliness, to not getting enough exercise. An excellent first step to curbing your Labradoodles barking is ensuring they’re getting enough exercise.

Exercise

Labradoodles need at least 1 to 1 ½ hours of exercise daily, but that’s only the physical part of their routine. You can’t neglect your Labradoodle’s mental exercise; make sure to play with them in a way that challenges them mentally and keep a rotation of interesting toys so they don’t get bored. Labradoodles are intelligent and energetic and excel at canine sports and agility drills.

Ignoring the Barking

Although sometimes your dog will bark because they don’t exercise enough or need to use the bathroom, they also bark because they know it gets your attention. The best thing to do about this kind of barking, even though it will be hard, is just to ignore your dog. No matter how long it takes, they must know they can’t bark to get your attention.

You have to act as if your dog isn’t even there until they stop barking; don’t even look at them until they’ve stopped. Your dog will get tired and lie down, and that’s when it’s time for step two. Once your dog has stopped barking, give them all your attention. Pet them, talk to them, play with them, give them treats, and make them the center of your attention until they’re satisfied.

Repeat this every time they start barking for attention, and since Labradoodles are such intelligent dogs, they will quickly pick up on the pattern and notice that when they aren’t barking, they get to be the center of attention. Eventually, your dog will stop barking for attention altogether.

woman with his Golden Labradoodle dog reading at home
Image Credit: Lopolo, Shutterstock

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Conclusion

Labradoodles are moderate barkers, and most won’t cause the neighbors to complain. You can train your Labradoodle not to bark as much, but you also need to have plenty of patience and use positive reinforcement when training your pet.

If you’re considering adopting one of these adorable animals as a pet, make sure you’re ready for the dog’s exuberance and clinginess. Labradoodles are intelligent dogs, so you shouldn’t have any problem training your friend not to bark as often.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Ann Lillie, Shutterstock

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