At What Age Will My Puppy Start Barking?
Curious about when your puppy will start barking? Find out what to expect and how to help your furry friend develop good habits in our latest article.
Updated July 17, 2023.
Welcoming a new puppy into the home is an exciting time filled with many new experiences. If you're a first-time dog owner, you may wonder what developmentally appropriate behavior for a puppy is.
When can you expect your puppy to start barking? Puppies begin to vocalize around two weeks old, shortly after their eyes and ears open. They will start with whines and grunts. However, yips and barks begin when puppies are seven weeks old. Dogs often learn barking behavior from other dogs.
Why Is My Dog Not Barking?
Sometimes dogs do not want to bark. That's not always a medical issue; some dogs just prefer being quiet. In addition, there are dogs who wait until closer to four months to start barking.
if your dog isn't barking, that could be for any number of reasons, including:
- Breed - Some breeds tend not to bark much. Greyhounds and Irish Setters are relatively quiet breeds.
- Laryngitis - Inflammation of vocal cords after overuse can affect dogs. Your dog's bark will be back after they've rested.
- Laryngeal paralysis - The voice box function is impaired, inhibiting the ability to bark.
Keep Your Puppy's Health in Check
If your puppy is unusually quiet or suddenly becomes quiet, it is essential to consult your vet to make sure this is not a sign of an underlying medical issue.
Are you looking for more ways to give your new puppy the best chance at a healthy life? Consider investing in a pet insurance policy. Pet insurance can help cover the rising costs of veterinary expenses if your pet becomes ill or injured.
