Why does my dog bark at my husband at night? Surprising Answer

1: Loneliness or Separation Anxiety

Have you ever seen the video of a particularly dramatic husky vocalizing at the top of their lungs in abject depression over their pet parent closing the front door and after realizing they arent going on a walk?

Sometimes they can also look so sad, so distraught, whining and crying when they cant find their owner, even if youre just standing in another room.

While huskies are some of the most dramatic and vocal about it, many dogs can experience loneliness and anxiety when they dont know where you are or cant find you.

It comes from their deep history, back when they were wolves living in packs. And while the domesticated dog may not technically be a pack animal, they do thrive in the comfort and presence of others of their kind as pack animals do.

Since you and your family (and perhaps other pup siblings) are their social group, they want to know where you are and be able to find you if they need you.

While that may be fine during the day, especially if you like a cuddly lap dog, it can be a little more difficult at night.

It can be tricky trying to sleep with a dog in the bed or even in the bedroom; their snoring, their odors, and their midnight activity can all wake you up or disrupt your sleep.

And, if they find another reason to bark, its so much more irritating when its right beside your bed.

The trouble is, if your dog is lonely or has situational anxiety because they cant find you, you dont have many options to solve the problem.

One quick fix is to try to bring their bed into your bedroom so that when youre sleeping nearby, they can be comforted by your presence and sleep alongside you.

But, if they insist on climbing all over you in the middle of the night, or if you have other reasons not to have a dog in the room with you – allergies, perhaps, or a new baby – it may not be an option.

Another choice is to get another animal that can comfort your dog. Often, this might just mean another dog. As social animals, dogs will typically get along with one another (after some time to adjust) and be that element of comfort they both need to sleep through the night.

Of course, there’s always the risk they’ll both have separation anxiety, and then youve just doubled your problem.

Attention-seeking behavior

If your dog barks at your husband quite often without lunging or snapping. It seems like the dog seeks attention from him.

If this is sparse, this is not something to worry about.

However, note that if dog bark at a person who is watching TV or doing something interesting in order to get attention and that person gives his whole focus to the dog without any second thought, something terrible is about to happen.

Because this can be developed up to a behavioral issue.

Don’t regret it. We are about to discuss the solutions under solutions.

Things are a little different if your husband doesn’t provide a sufficient amount of attention to the dog.

The dog might find the husband interesting, so he may tend to bark at him while wagging his tail and friendly, innocent face.

It’s an expedient idea to encourage your husband to spend more time with the dog.

Help the dog not to get jealous.

Being jealous is something unwanted, and that needs to be ignored.

If your dog barks at the husband whenever both of you get a little bit closer, completely ignore the dog and its barking. DO NOT give your attention to the dog.

Because some breeds are naturally jealous of certain things which need to be corrected right away.

I want you to follow the exact instructions that we have discussed under solution number 1.

Tip: Use the lie-down command as that position makes it difficult for them to bark. However, it is not a long-term solution. In fact, giving him a chew toy or a bone could keep them busy.

If Your DOG BARKS AT NIGHT… DON’T IGNORE THEM | Dog Secrets

Shiloh is a six-month-old terrier mix female from the rescue shelter that we brought home. She is terrific and has taken well to our household including our five-year-old terrier mix male. My concern is that no matter when my husband enters a room, my dog barks at him like she has never seen him before. The barking is continuous. He plays with her, even hand-feeds her at times, pets her, and does all he can to help her bond with him. She seems to be “easy” around females and shies away from most males.

Shiloh seems afraid. Often the scariest situation for dogs is the appearance or approach of a person with whom they are not yet comfortable. Many fearful dogs react more to men than to women — especially men who are tall, have deep voices, broad shoulders, a strong jaw, or facial hair.

To help Shiloh exhibit better behavior when your husband enters the room, it is essential to change the way she feels in that situation. Focus on changing her emotions so the behavior will stop rather than trying to stop the barking directly.