This guide answers the common question many Thornhill dog guardians ask: “Why does my dog bark?” It draws on real cases, Canadian animal-welfare guidance, and more than twenty-five years of hands-on experience.

The Day We Knew We Had to Open Dogs R The Best

When you live and breathe dogs for over twenty-five years, as my husband Nick and I (Aynav) have, you learn to speak a special kind of dog language. We didn’t learn it from a textbook; instead, we learned it from the countless dogs who have been part of our lives, from our very first rescue to the adorable puppies we care for today in our Thornhill home.

Nick’s connection with dogs started young, growing up with a lively German Shepherd Husky when he was just twelve. That early bond quickly turned into a lifelong passion. By age sixteen, he was watching and caring for dogs, and his experience grew through two years volunteering at the Humane Society of Tel Aviv. After that, he spent three years fostering abandoned or abused dogs and finding them their perfect forever homes. Over the last decade, Nick has dedicated himself to training and caring for our own amazing family dog, Roxy, a beloved companion adopted at three months old.

For my part, I have spent more than twenty years with dogs, from working at a busy dog daycare in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to volunteering alongside Nick at the Humane Society of Tel Aviv. Working at a veterinary clinic taught me so much about canine health and wellbeing, and that knowledge helps me understand dog behaviour on an emotional level and confidently handle medical emergencies.

All of this experience is the heart of why we started Dogs R The Best in Toronto in September 2021. Our mission is simple: to provide a safe, comfortable environment where every dog receives care, attention, affection, feeding, walks, and a genuine feeling of home.

Real-Life Experience With Barking Dogs

It is that deep, real-life experience that helps us with all the personalities we meet, especially the ones with a lot to say, like the sweet little Havapoo puppy we regularly look after, Parker.

Parker comes over every morning and loves to bark. She is extremely excited and, like any puppy, becomes impatient for her routine morning walk. This is a perfect example of how a dog’s bark is a form of communication. It is also a clear illustration of how we work with dogs to teach them that being calm and quiet is the fastest way to get what they want. In fact, many clients ask, “Why does my dog bark so much?” and Parker’s journey often helps them understand the answer.

Why Does My Dog Bark According to Canadian Animal Experts?

A dog’s bark is normal, natural, and necessary communication, not “bad” behaviour. However, understanding why your dog is barking helps you respond calmly and effectively.

Canadian animal welfare organizations like the BC SPCA and the Ontario SPCA are clear that barking is a normal canine behaviour and essential for your dog to express their needs. Therefore, recognising the cause is the first, most important step to helping them feel more settled.

Common Reasons Dogs Bark

Here are some of the most common reasons your dog is trying to talk to you, according to Canadian authorities:

• Alert or Territorial Barking: Triggered by sights or sounds that signal something new or unknown nearby.
• Demand Barking: Happens when a dog learns that barking gets them what they want.
• Boredom or Socially Facilitated Barking: Occurs when a dog is under-stimulated or joins in when other dogs bark.
• Fear and Stress-Based Barking: Often linked to fear, anxiety, or separation stress.
• Frustration: Triggered when a dog is confined or restricted.

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and the BC SPCA strongly oppose surgical devocalization because it removes a dog’s ability to communicate without addressing the underlying cause.

What Humane Methods Help Dogs Feel Settled?

Positive reinforcement and meeting a dog’s mental and physical needs are the most humane and effective ways to reduce excessive barking. In addition, identifying the cause improves training results dramatically.

Simple Steps You Can Try

If your dog is barking excessively, the first step is to confirm they are getting enough physical and mental exercise. A satisfied dog is far less likely to bark out of boredom or over-excitement.

Practical steps include:

• Enrichment and Exercise: Sniff walks, puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and safe chews help burn mental and physical energy.
• Train an Alternative Behaviour: For example, teaching a “go to your mat” cue for doorbell triggers.
• Manage Attention Barking: Ignore barking entirely and reward only calm, quiet behaviour.
• The “Quiet” Cue: Teach a calm quiet command after first teaching “speak”.
• Seek Professional Guidance: Especially for fear or anxiety-related barking.

When Should You Speak With a Trainer or Certified Behaviourist?

You should consult a professional trainer or veterinary behaviourist if you cannot identify the cause of the barking or if it is rooted in fear, aggression, or separation anxiety. Additionally, support from a qualified professional helps you avoid guesswork.

At Dogs R The Best, we provide consistent, safe, and loving care that supports the training goals you set for your dog. Our dog daycare and walking services often reduce barking linked to boredom or lack of activity. However, for complex issues, we encourage clients to work with certified force-free professionals.

Recommended Local Certified Trainers and Behaviourists in Thornhill and York Region

Dr. Sagi Denenberg, DVM, DACVB
North Toronto Veterinary Behaviour Specialty Clinic
📞 (905) 881-2752 | North Toronto Vets

Lucinda Glenny, MSc, CPDT-KA
Canine Behaviour Consulting
📧 lucinda.glenny@gmail.com | Canine Behaviour

Nicole Sieber
Learn With Levi Dog Training
📞 416-317-3606 | 📧 learnwithlevi@gmail.com | Learn With Levi Dog Training

Canine Campus Training
Just Fur Fun Canine Campus Training Centre
📞 (905) 471-9361 | Just Fur Fun Training

Alpha Paws (Dog Training)
Alpha Paws Newmarket
📞 905-830-9500 | Alpha Paws

Q&A

Q: Should I yell “Quiet!” when my dog barks?
A: No. Yelling can sound like you are joining the barking. Calm, consistent teaching works best.

Q: Can a dog bark because they are sick?
A: Yes. Sudden barking changes can indicate illness, injury, or age-related issues. Therefore, it’s important to speak to your veterinarian.

Key Takeaways for Your Calm Dog

• Barking is normal communication.
• Avoid aversive tools or harsh punishments.
• Identify the reason behind the bark.
• Use mental and physical enrichment.
• Ignore attention barking and reward quiet.
• Consult qualified force-free trainers for fear or anxiety.

We Are Here to Help

Your dog deserves to feel safe, loved, and settled. Whether they are enjoying a fun day with us or relaxing in your Thornhill home, we are here to support their wellbeing. Learn more about our trusted dog walking and dog sitting services today.