A lot of small breeds of dogs have a reputation for barking a lot. This can be a bit of a nightmare for owners hoping for a friendly, calm lapdog, especially if that companion then barks out of attention-seeking or possessive tendencies. The Morkie, a Maltese Yorkshire Terrier hybrid, sounds like it might be one of those dogs because of the parents’ terrier genes and role. Is this the case? Also, if they are prone to barking a lot, what can you do about it?
Do Morkies bark a lot? Unfortunately, there is the risk of Maltese Yorkshire Terrier crosses becoming a little yappy and demanding if they take after their Yorkie parent. Both territorial and fearful barking is a possibility, as is a need to get attention. You can correct this with the proper training and aids.
Do Yorkies Bark A Lot?
If you find that your Morkie barks more than expected, it is probably the fault of the Yorkie genes. Maltese dogs will also use their voice to get their way and to defend themselves in situations if they need to. However, the Yorkie is a more yappy dog that can develop more persistent behavioral traits if owners aren’t careful.
There is the potential that a well-trained Yorkie will prove to be a good guard dog for many families.
But, this requires the proper training.
Barking to Get Attention
The majority of Morkies won’t bark unless it is for a good reason. So, there isn’t as significant a risk of them barking to get attention or because they are bored.
However, small dogs that learn that they get what they want by barking could start doing this more often.
As a result, they get yappier and start barking when they feel they aren’t getting enough attention.
Territorial Barking to Warn People Off
When it comes to territorial barking, the other issue is that Morkies that take after their Yorkie parent may get a little possessive of one household member.
Often, this isn’t too big a deal, and the Morkie will prefer to snuggle up with that primary caregiver over other family members.
But, some dogs may dislike the idea of partners getting too close and invading their rightful place.
Significant others visiting the home may be greeted with some barks to show that they are not welcome.
Barking through Fear or Anxiety
There are two issues here.
The first is when a dog starts barking at a trigger or a threatening person because they are scared. There may be a stranger in or near the home that they don’t like the look of.
They may have had a negative experience with another pet or a child that accidentally played too rough.
It also isn’t uncommon for dogs to get spooked by household appliances. They may bark at the cause or fail to stop barking until they calm down.
The other possible issue here is barking due to separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety is a common problem for pet dogs that get attached to their owners.
There is the risk of Morkies becoming clingy and feeling stressed if left alone at home. That is why they are better for a household where at least one person is home a lot of the time.
A dog that gets scared when alone doesn’t know where you are or when you will be back.
Barking to call you back is an obvious choice for the dog.
This can become persistent and ultimately annoying for neighbors.
Night Barking
Issues of separation anxiety can also lead to problems with night barking.
Dogs that aren’t happy being separated from owners at night may get fearful and start barking to get you to return. Many owners will give in to this, either to cease the noise or through feelings of guilt.
This suggests that night barking is beneficial to the dog, and so it may continue.
One way to tell if Morkies are barking through fear and anxiety or just for attention is to look at other possible symptoms.
Awareness of other physical signs can help you determine your response.
Is the dog shaking and whimpering as they bark? These are clear signs of more profound distress.
You may also find that a fearful pup has urinated, especially if they are still going through their housebreaking training.
If they seem fine and are just barking repeatedly, then it’s probably just for attention.
What to do when Morkies are Barking too Much
As you can see, there is the risk that your Morkie will end up barking a lot and causing a problem for you and your neighbors. The sooner you can address these issues and find a way to control the barking; the happier everyone will be.
What to do:
- deal with the trigger for any fear or anxiety-based barking
- teach dogs barking for attention that it doesn’t work
- work on your socialization and separation anxiety training
- improve your dog’s sleep schedule to reduce any night barking
What not to do:
- don’t use negative reinforcement to scold the dog
- don’t turn to shock collars – there are better options
Positive Reinforcement to Guide your Morkie
Morkies are sensitive companion dogs and could get very upset when they deal with adverse reactions. They want your love and want to please you, so they will struggle if you scold them or do anything to stop them from barking forcibly.
It is always better to focus on rewarding dogs for controlling barking and doing what you need rather than punishing dogs that don’t yet understand what you want.
Dealing with the Triggers and Situations
The best way to deal with barking is to figure out the cause and correct that. Barking is always the symptom of something else. You can’t scold a dog for barking too much and do nothing to avoid further issues.
If something triggers their fearful barking, work to either remove it or desensitize your dog.
Territorial barking can ease with better relationships and rewarding dogs when they play nicely.
Dogs that bark for attention could soon learn that this doesn’t work if you put them in another room away from the rest of the family.
Praise them when they stop.
Socialization and Separation Anxiety Training
Some of the issues with dogs barking too much can relate to other vital areas of training.
For example, dogs that bark at people they don’t trust may not have had enough socialization training.
Ensure that your pup has quality time with lots of people, including all those necessary in your life. Give them a reason to love and trust your kids and partner.
As for separation anxiety, the sooner you make dogs more comfortable when left alone, the easier it will get.
Please don’t make a fuss when leaving the house; give them ways to remain active and occupied, and try not to be away for too long.
Sleep Schedules and Night Barking
The problem of night barking is closely tied with that of separation anxiety.
It’s a lot like putting a child to bed alone in a dark room for the first time.
They can feel alone and scared.
With dogs, they don’t always understand that you will come back. A comfortable setup with your scents, a good bed, and some toys will help.
The hard part here is ignoring the barking, especially if you have other household members or neighbors who can hear and wish the dog would be quiet.
But, if you go to the dog when they bark, you offer a reward and show that night barking pays off.
Instead, make a fuss of your dog when you see them in the morning for being so good all night.
Tools and Aids to Help
You may also decide that you want to bring in some extra tools to help with the barking problem.
Some owners like to use collars to correct their dog when it barks.
This is OK if you can find a good fit that uses safe tones or sprays to deter the dog.
Just remember that this is a sensitive little dog, and you don’t want to make the situation any worse.
Anti-anxiety aids like vests and mists might also prove to be of use if dogs bark in stressful situations. Some owners even use prescribed CBD oil.
Talk to your vet about the best solution for your needs.
Final Thoughts – Do Morkies Bark A Lot?
In short, while some Morkie owners will find that their dogs don’t bark too much, others will experience issues with fearful barking, territorial issues, and a more yappy nature. Most Morkies won’t bark without good reason. So, controlling their barking is all about figuring out the cause and finding the perfect solution. It may take some time and patience, but you can start to see improvements.
More info on Morkies
- Can Morkies Swim?
- Why Does My Morkie Smell?
- Do Morkies Have Docked Tails?
- Can Morkies Be Left Alone?
- Are Morkies Hypoallergenic?
- Why Do Morkies Change Color?
- What Can Morkies Eat?
- Do Morkies Get Cold?
- How Long Do Morkies Sleep?
- Are Morkies Good Famiy Dogs?
- The Morkie Temperament [All You Need to Know]
- Why Do Morkies Lick So Much?
- Do Morkies Have Tear Stains?
Sources:
https://www.aboutmorkies.com/why-does-my-morkie-bark-so-much
