Schnoodles can be vocal dogs that bark excessively. This trait is more prevalent in smaller Schnoodles created from miniature Schnauzers and toy or miniature Poodles. Typically, these dogs bark when there’s a trigger or when they want to exert dominance.
While barking is a natural behavior, a Schnoodle that barks a lot can be a cause for concern. If you’re inheriting this dog breed, you may want to learn why they bark a lot and how to reduce this behavior.
Are Schnoodles Prone to Barking?
Yes, Schnoodles can be prone to barking, but genetics can play an influential role in whether that’s the case for your pet. Barking can depend on whether your dog predominantly inherits the temperaments from their Schnauzer or Poodle parent.
If your Schnoodle puppy takes after their Schnauzer parent, they are likelier to bark. Schnauzers were originally bred as working dogs, with tasks like herding and guarding. They were trained to bark to raise the alarm and scare off predators. Given that, your Schnoodle might bark when they perceive any threat.
On the other hand, Poodles are moderate barkers and will do so when there’s a trigger. They were initially waterfowl hunters and would spend time with their owners. When kept as pets, Poodles can be loud barkers with various stimuli. If your Schnoodle inherits these Poodle traits, they may bark less often.
Reasons for Excessive Barking in Schnoodles
Schnoodles differ in temperament. If your puppy barks more than others, you may want to understand the cause. Here are some reasons for excessive barking in your Schnoodle.
Separation Anxiety
Like their Poodle parents, Schnoodles experience separation anxiety when left alone. Since the Schnoodle is a family dog, they may bark for several hours if left to their own devices. Frequent barking can be an issue if you live in an apartment close to your neighbors.
Depressed or Bored
Schnoodles are intelligent dogs and can get depressed due to following reasons:
- Social isolation
- Insufficient physical stimulation
- Grief due to the loss of a human or pet companion
- Chronic pain
- Environmental changes
If your Schnoodle is depressed, it may bark a lot to seek attention. Similarly, your dog will bark a lot when bored. You can leave them to play with their toys, but when boredom creeps in, you may find that isn’t enough to keep them from barking for more stimulation.
Feeling Frightened
This breed sometimes barks when they feel frightened. Triggers such as strangers or other animals in their territory can frighten them. These tendencies might stop once they realize that the stranger or animal is safe around them.
Hungry or Thirsty
A Schnoodle may bark when they want to communicate about its hunger or thirst. Other discomforts, such as the need to go to the toilet or being too hot and cold, can serve as potential triggers.
Excited
When your Schnoodle gets excited, it may bark to express its joy. For example, they bark when they see you or any other family member coming home from work.
When Do Schnoodles Bark a Lot?
Schnoodles can bark excessively at any time. You may notice that your dog starts barking whenever you leave it behind. Barking can become excessive at night when your dog is feeling lonely.
While your Schnoodle might bark at night due to intruders, the leading cause can be separation anxiety. They will bark more often when they learn that you’ll offer them what they want. With time, especially from their 3rd or 4th year, your dog may start to bark less as they become calmer.
How To Reduce Excessive Barking in Schnoodles
If your Schnoodle barks a lot, you may want ways to stop or reduce this behavior. You can’t eliminate barking in your dog, but you can make it less sustained.
Provide Early Socialization
Early socialization exposes your puppy to people, places, animals, and objects. As a result, fewer things will frighten your dog, reducing the frequency of barks. Early socialization will also help your pet avoid experiencing separation anxiety.
Early Training
Early training can help your Schnoodle understand that excessive barking is inappropriate. These dogs are intelligent, like their Poodle parents, and will learn acceptable behaviors. You can use consistent training and positive reinforcement to discourage barking.
Meet Their Basic Needs
You’ll decrease the chance of heavy barking if your Schnoodle has enough food, water, stable temperature, and favorite toys. Of course, meeting your Schnoodles’ basic needs won’t completely stop them from barking. They might still bark due to other triggers, such as intruders, boredom, or anxiety.
Provide Plenty of Exercises and Mental Stimulation
Schnoodles require at least 30-60 minutes of exercise daily and are otherwise prone to barking and destructive behaviors. The goal is to exercise them properly so they can get exhausted. When exhausted, your dog will sleep a lot and bark less.
In addition, provide your dog with mental stimulation such as puzzle toys, playing indoor hide-and-seek, or indoor treasure hunts. Interactive toys and games will keep your Schnoodle’s mind active and minimize the chances of barking.
Conclusion
While Schnoodles are lovely family dogs, they are prone to excessive barking. These dogs can inherit their temperaments from the Poodle and Schnauzer parents and bark when exposed to possible triggers. In most cases, Schnoodles bark when left alone or are hungry, thirsty, bored, frightened, or excited.
You can help your dog reduce barking by offering early training and socialization. Additionally, meet all your dog’s basic needs and provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. With time, your Schnoodle may bark less.
