At a glance
- Shih Tzus are moderately vocal dogs whose barking typically serves specific communication purposes rather than being constant noise
- About 78% of owners report their dogs bark mainly in response to specific triggers like doorbells, strangers, or separation anxiety
- Their companion dog breeding makes them highly attached to owners, leading to attention-seeking and anxiety-related barking
- With consistent training and environmental management, most owners see noticeable improvements within 4 to 8 weeks
Why your dog's barking might seem excessive
Many Shih Tzu owners worry when their usually calm companion suddenly becomes vocal throughout the day. The reality is that these dogs were bred specifically as companion animals, which creates a strong attachment to their families and heightened awareness of their surroundings.
Their small size produces a higher-pitched bark that can seem surprisingly loud and piercing, especially in apartments or urban settings. What might sound like excessive barking to neighbours is often your dog communicating specific needs or concerns. Research shows that most barking episodes in this breed are triggered by environmental stimuli like unfamiliar sounds, emotional states such as excitement or anxiety, or direct attention-seeking behaviour.
The territorial nature that makes them excellent watchdogs also means they're naturally suspicious of strangers and quick to alert you to perceived intrusions. This isn't problematic behaviour, it's simply how they're wired to interact with their world.
Common triggers that set off barking
Understanding what prompts your dog to bark is the first step toward managing it effectively. The most frequent triggers include alerting owners to unfamiliar sounds or people approaching the home, expressing excitement during play sessions or when greeting family members, and seeking attention or interaction when they feel ignored.
Separation anxiety ranks as one of the strongest triggers for excessive barking. These dogs form such strong bonds with their owners that being left alone can create genuine distress. You might notice the barking starts within minutes of your departure and continues intermittently throughout your absence.
Environmental changes also prompt vocal responses. Other animals passing by windows, delivery trucks, construction noise, or even changes in household routines can trigger barking episodes. The key insight from recent surveys is that 78% of owners report their dogs bark mainly in response to these specific situations rather than developing habitual, constant barking. Source
The ignore method for attention-seeking barking
When your dog barks specifically for attention, the ignore method proves remarkably effective with consistent application. The moment barking begins, turn your back completely and avoid any eye contact or verbal response. Don't speak, don't look, and don't acknowledge the behaviour in any way.
Wait until there's a natural pause in the barking, then immediately reward the quiet moment with praise or a small treat. The timing is crucial here. You're teaching that silence, not noise, gets your attention. Most dogs initially increase their barking when you first try this method, testing whether their usual strategy will still work.
Consistency across all family members makes the difference between success and frustration. If one person gives in and responds to the barking while others ignore it, you'll actually reinforce the behaviour more strongly than before. Expect to see initial changes within the first week, though lasting results typically develop over three to four weeks of consistent practice.
Managing environmental triggers effectively
Reducing exposure to barking triggers often provides immediate relief while you work on longer-term training solutions. Closing curtains or blinds blocks visual stimuli like passing pedestrians or other dogs that might prompt territorial barking. White noise machines or calming music can mask sudden sounds that typically trigger alert barking.
Creating a designated quiet space gives your dog somewhere to retreat when feeling overwhelmed. This might be a comfortable crate with familiar bedding, a specific room, or even just a corner with their favourite toys. The goal is providing an alternative to barking when they feel anxious or overstimulated.
Controlled exposure during training sessions helps desensitise dogs to specific triggers. Practice with doorbell sounds at low volumes, gradually increasing the intensity as your dog learns to remain calm. Reward quiet, relaxed behaviour during these sessions rather than waiting for barking to start and then trying to stop it.
Exercise and mental stimulation solutions
Boredom and excess energy frequently contribute to attention-seeking barking. Regular walks tailored to your dog's energy level, combined with interactive play sessions, address the physical component of this behaviour. Most of these dogs benefit from moderate daily exercise rather than intensive activity.
Mental stimulation often proves more tiring than physical exercise. Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing balls, and rotating toy selection keep minds engaged when you're busy with other activities. Interactive toys like KONG Classics filled with treats or Nina Ottosson puzzle feeders provide extended engagement periods.
Training sessions themselves serve as mental exercise. Short, five-minute sessions twice daily work better than longer periods for most dogs. Teaching new tricks, practicing basic commands, or working on specific behavioural challenges gives their minds focused work while strengthening your bond.
Addressing separation anxiety barking
Separation anxiety requires a gradual approach rather than sudden changes. Start with very brief departures, even just stepping outside for thirty seconds, then gradually extending the time as your dog learns you always return. Avoid making departures dramatic events with lengthy goodbyes that increase anxiety.
Comfort items can ease the transition when you're away. A worn shirt with your scent, favourite toys, or calming aids like Adaptil diffusers release synthetic pheromones that promote relaxation. Some dogs benefit from having background noise like television or radio to mask outside sounds and provide familiar voices.
If anxiety-related barking persists despite gradual training, or if it's accompanied by destructive behaviour, excessive pacing, or loss of appetite, veterinary consultation becomes important. Sometimes anti-anxiety medications provide the foundation needed for behavioural training to succeed.
When professional help makes sense
Sudden onset of excessive barking, especially in older dogs, sometimes indicates medical issues like hearing loss or cognitive changes that require veterinary evaluation. Persistent aggression-related barking or anxiety that doesn't respond to consistent home management also benefits from professional intervention.
Certified dog trainers experienced with small breeds understand the unique challenges these dogs present. Their higher-pitched barks, strong attachment behaviours, and sometimes stubborn personalities require specific approaches that general training advice might not address effectively.
Veterinary behaviourists can evaluate whether underlying medical conditions contribute to excessive vocalisation and recommend appropriate medications when needed. They also provide structured behaviour modification programs for complex cases involving multiple triggers or severe anxiety.
