Are you thinking of getting yourself a Pitbull? Then you are probably wondering about how much it barks. Before adopting a pet, caregivers often try figuring out what possible hassles can come with the animal.
Apart from shedding, sleeping, and other physical issues, barkings can be a problem too. Even though barking is natural for almost every dog breed, the frequency of it might be concerning.
How much bark is typical for a Pitbull? Do they bark without any reason? Generally, future pet owners want to know the answers to these questions. So, after doing several types of research, we pen down this blog to give you the answers.
Do Pitbulls bark a lot?
No, Pitbulls are generally moderate barkers who do not bark without any reason. If you own a Pitbull, you can expect occasional barking from it. They typically get vocal when they experience anything odd or feel something unexpected. If a Pitbull turns its protective mode on or gets scared, it can suddenly start growling. Apart from these two reasons, the dog can bark out of boredom.
Generally, owning a Pitbull is a tranquil experience, as this breed is not that noisy. After seeing their frightening muscular frame with aggressive nature, people naturally mistake Pitbulls as frequent-barkers.
But, that is not the case. If they start to bark, chances are they get scared, provoked, excited, or threatened. Still, all Pitbulls are not the same.
Of course, every canine has its unique personality, which partially influences how vocal your Pitbull will be. Other than this, genetics, age, breed, and upbringing also influence their barking frequency.
As animals cannot speak, they make sounds to communicate. So if your Pitbull barks, there is something wrong with it.
Finding the reason should be your priority, as it can provide both your pet and neighbors relief. If your dog barks more frequently than it needs to be, you can control it through regular training sessions.
A well-trained dog is way quieter than those with no training at all. So next time if you see a Pitbull barking a lot, chances are the owner did not train it well.
Some previous Pitbull owners have also shared that their female Pitbulls did bark only a few times during their whole lives.
However, this fact is not proven by science till now. As we mentioned earlier, Pitbulls naturally bark only due to valid reasons.
But, all the barking is not similar. So the sooner you distinguish the problem, the quicker you make your adobe calm and peaceful.
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Why does my pitbull bark so much?
It can be true that a barking dog usually does not bite, but having a frequently barking dog can be an unpleasant experience. Since Pitbulls are moderate barkers, you do not have to experience a noisy house after having them as pets.
Still, they do woof due to some definite reasons. Six situations can provoke your Pitbull to howl more often, and the circumstance could be any of the following.
Pitbulls are protective by nature
If you own Pitbulls, you are probably aware of their protective nature. When they receive love and adoration from someone, they can go far for the person.
It is said, when Pitbulls adore, they feel affection with every fiber of their being.
So if you and your family worship your Pitbull companion, it can risk its life to protect you. The moment it feels you are not safe, this loyal mongrel starts barking and turns on its attacking mode.
Since Pitbulls can predict any danger, they can start to yap to fend an intruder off from the territory. If they feel something threatens their owners’ lives, they commence territorial barking.
This sound can be a signal of alertness or even aggression. Even though professionals suggest training Pitbulls from a very young age to tame this kind of barking, territorial barking is not always bad. But training can prevent your pet from reaching the aggressive stage.
Your Pitbull is possibly afraid
Even though barking sounds fearful to us, most mongrels bark out of fear. Their barking sounds are different from other types. Pitbulls can get frightened for some trivial reason.
If anything like sirens or loud noises catches them off guard, they will bark their lungs out.
Even if they encounter something or someone unfamiliar to them, they start to growl out of fear. People in hats can be a reason for their fear!
Although you cannot eliminate this instinct from them permanently, you can tame it through regular training.
You can even seek assistance from professional trainers, as they are the best in desensitizing Pitbulls. Since treats or praising can never go wrong, you can utilize those to distract your Pitbull.
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It wants you to spend some time with it
Sometimes we often underestimate the emotional requirements of our pets. Pet adopters usually think the only requirements Pitbulls want them to fulfill are their physical necessities.
But, they can also sense things and want you to feel their emotions too.
Apart from all the basic needs, Pitbulls want love, affection, and stimulation. These hyperactive dogs want to spend their energy through various sports like walking, running, and playing. Boredom can overpower their mental state if they feel left out.
Sometimes pet owners cannot spend a lot of time with Pitbulls due to their busy schedules.
So the dogs can start barking if they get sad or bored. If you notice your Pitbull generally barks only when you are not around, boredom or loneliness can be the reason.
Barking can be a way of welcome
If you see your Pitbull barking towards another puppy or other people, it does not always be a sign of their aggression. Barking can be a dog’s way of greeting other people or animals.
Generally, Pitbulls become aggressive in front of strangers and start to threaten them by barking a lot.
So, noticing their other gestures is the only way to differentiate this aggressive barking from welcome ones. If your Pitbull wags tail, jumps around, and shows signs of excitement while barking, it is possibly offering someone a hearty welcome.
It just wants your attention
Not only your Pitbull puppy but also adult dogs show the childish behavior of attention-seeking through the barking. Sometimes, even negative attention seems better to them than no attention at all.
In these times, they want your attention anyhow, so they weaponize their sound and start barking until you treat them or start playing with them.
Usually, pet owners encourage this behavior with rewards or playtime.
But, professionals suggest the best way to restrain this behavior is by ignoring them. When you feel your Pitbull is doing the attention-seeking yowls, approach them only after they stop barking.
Separation from you makes them anxious
Even though this point seems similar to the third point, this one is more serious than that.
We have already mentioned that your Pitbull can snarl a lot while you are away.
But if the barking takes an excessive turn, the reason is more severe than boredom or loneliness. They are possibly suffering from separation anxiety.
At that moment, look for other behaviors your dog shows along with barking.
If your Pitbull gets violent and begins inappropriate elimination, chances are it is enduring separation anxiety.
Here again, only proper training can eliminate this behavior. You can also try training them, as this is very helpful in curbing the stress of dogs.
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Are pit bulls very vocal?
Not always, as Pitbulls get vocal, only if there are reasons. Many dogs bark throughout the day without any reason. But Pitbulls generally do not fall in this category.
They only bark in certain circumstances.
The causes behind your Pitbulls getting vocal could be any of these, being protective, scared, provoked, anxious due to separation from owner, lonely, or attention-seeker. Your Pitbull can even offer a warm welcome by being vocal.
Are pit bulls quiet dogs?
Yes, Pitbulls are generally quiet dogs, as they do not shout without any purpose. Having Pitbulls as pets is typically a calm experience, as they howl only for proper reasons. Your quiet Pitbull can start barking if they feel your life is at risk. Their loyalty is on another level. Other than this reason, your Pitbull could woof out of fear, loneliness, anxiety, or excitement. So, figuring out the cause at the earliest can bring peace not only in your house but also in your locality.
How to stop your pitbull from barking?
Pitbulls generally do not yap until they sense something unexpected or want your attention. Although training can tame this behavior, there are several other ways also you can try to overcome these situations.
Below we have shared some common yet helpful tricks that could help you minimize or eliminate the barking of your Pitbull.
Socialization is the key
Only through socialization will your Pitbull know how to behave aptly. Whenever you see aggression or any inappropriate behavior from your dog, make sure to train and socialize it aptly.
Socialization from a very young age will make your Pitbull a great pet.
Often taking them outdoors is one of the most effective ways to socialize them. Try to introduce Pitbull puppies to new people and other animals so that they learn how to stay calm after encountering strangers later in life.
Training is important
Since Pitbulls are strong, muscular, and husky dogs with typical fighting nature, training is the only way to control their rage and aggression. Only an irresponsible pet owner cannot manage his loving pet.
Apart from this, one factor also highlights the necessity of training. If your Pitbull grows a barking issue, training will help you the most to eliminate this problem or at least minimize it.
Try not to stay away from your Pitbull for very long
It may sound weird and unrealistic, but Pitbull does endure separation anxiety when you leave it for too long.
They hate being left alone and get vocal out of boredom. You can translate this barking to a futile effort to get you to come back. Yes, your Pitbull can love you this much!
Often pet owners opt for pet sitters to look after their Pitbulls while they are not around.
But, if you cannot make it possible, try to keep your Pitbull engaged with plenty of toys. Thus they cannot feel your absence. Maybe the toys cannot substitute you, but at least keep them occupied.
Bottom line
Even if we suggest spending more time with your pet, ignorance can be the most utilized way to tame attention-seeking howls. However, after witnessing the typical barking of a Pitbull, anyone can term them as moderate barkers.
As they usually do it for a reason, keeping them active, trained, socialized are the best strategies you can follow.
Also, while controlling the barking issue of a Pitbull, always keep in mind every dog is different. So instead of universalizing the formulas, try to know your Pitbull very well.
Hi There, AJ Oren here. I am the founder of this amazing pet blog & a passionate writer who loves helping pet owners to learn more about their pets through my articles. I am also the content manager of this blog. I have experience in pet training and behavior, sheltering, and currently working for a veterinary clinic.