What is a common cause of excessive barking in dogs?

Excessive barking in dogs is often linked to boredom or anxiety. When dogs do not receive adequate mental and physical stimulation, they may resort to barking as an outlet for their pent-up energy. Additionally, anxiety can trigger barking as a stress response to various environmental factors, such as loneliness or unfamiliar situations. Dogs are social animals, and when they feel anxious or bored, barking becomes a method of expressing their discomfort or seeking engagement.

While hunger can lead to communication through barking, it is less commonly associated with excessive barking compared to the effects of boredom and anxiety. Seeking attention from humans typically results in barking as well; however, it is often a response to a specific situation rather than a consistent behavioral issue. Training difficulties may contribute to barking problems, but they are not the primary cause of excessive barking; instead, they can be a secondary effect of an unaddressed behavioral issue such as boredom or anxiety.