Do Sheepadoodles Bark A Lot (Triggers and Training Guide)

So you want a Sheepadoodle? This adorable designer dog is a mix of an Old English Sheepdog and a Poodle, most likely a Standard Poodle. If you intend to own a Sheepadoodle or already own one, you might wonder about their barking tendencies. Understanding their personalities will help you decide whether they are a good fit for your lifestyle.

After all, all dogs can bark. Some just bark way less than others. Sheepadoodles are not big barkers. They might sound an alert occasionally if something is amiss, but they are not known to be overly yappy dogs. Despite their medium to large size, they are often proven to be kind, perceptive, and calm dogs.

However, depending on the situation and their disposition, all dogs can have an innate tendency to bark. In this blog post, we’ll look at Sheepadoodles and their temperaments more closely, why they bark, and what you can do about it.

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How Calm Are Sheepadoodles?

Old English Sheepdogs and Poodles were crossed to create Sheepadoodles, an adorable cross of two amicable, friendly breeds known to adore their owners.

While not a couch potato, the Sheepadoodle is also not highly active and does not have a propensity for excessive barking.

Most Sheepadoodles are friendly with people, other animals, and even kids. Sheepadoodles may not play with strangers right away like Golden Retrievers, but they are not hostile and usually welcome new people if given some time and space.

They are not the best choice if you’re searching for a security dog that will bark to let you know when someone approaches your house!

These fur babies are still more laid-back than other breeds intended to be guard dogs and territory protectors, but they might develop into good watchdogs with some training.

Is My Sheepadoodle Sensitive To Noise?

Dogs frequently bark in response to disturbances, particularly doorbells, footsteps, or loud, unexpected sounds. This startled reaction can be avoided by socializing your dog to certain noises.

If a particular noise constantly triggers your Sheepadoodle, capture the noise on your phone that is causing your dog to bark. Play the sound back several times a day and treat and reward when he doesn’t react.

Gradually increase the volume, and in due time, your dog might become accustomed to the noise and stop reacting, even when it is present in real life.

In addition, dogs who reside in tranquil homes are the most sensitive to noise. Everything is so quiet that every sound has a greater significance. That’s where playing some background noise might come in handy.

You can play some white noise or soothing melodies designed to ease anxiety on the radio, speakers, or TV.

What Causes My Sheepadoodle to Bark?

Several factors could cause your Sheepadoodle’s recent increase in barking if they are typically peaceful.

1. New Environment

Your dog might experience some anxiety if you recently underwent a significant transition, such as changing residences. They might bark, cry, lose their appetite, and exhibit overall signs of stress.

They should quickly acclimate and revert to their usual calm and amiable selves with plenty of time and love.

2. Insufficient Socialization

At times, it is merely a result of improper socialization on your part if your Sheepadoodle tends to bark at anything that moves, or occasionally even at nothing at all.

Introducing other dogs, animals, and people to your pet gradually builds their social skills. If your pet isn’t properly socialized, they’ll keep barking needlessly at anything new they see, thinking that everything that moves is a threat or danger.

Cynthia shared that her Sheepadoodle barks at anything and everyone!

I think mine has a requirement to bark 10,000 times per day, if she doesn’t reach it for necessary reasons, she barks at nothing! And it’s not boredom! 15,000 steps per day, shopping, puppy play dates and the list goes on!

3. Lack of Exercise

Sheepadoodles are energetic canines that can romp around all day playing games. If your dog is barking incessantly, sometimes apparently at nothing, this could indicate insufficient exercise. Under-exercised dogs can exhibit behaviors like digging and excessive barking if they are lacking physical and mental stimulation.

They can become bored and start barking to let off their pent-up energy. This is an easy fix! Up the ante on your exercise routine and take your Sheepadoodle on a run or vigorous hike every day, and they’ll be too tired to be barky. Remember, a tired dog is a happy dog!

Nadine shared her experience regarding the importance of exercise on the I Love Sheepadoodles Facebook Group:

“Mine doesn’t bark much unless he hears noise. I agree that they are high energy and would need a lot of exercise. Let’s say you work from home and you can provide that, the dog would be fine. I worked from home for a while and mine slept by my side in a tiny office all day and just went out three times a day for exercise”.

4. Boredom or Frustration

Sheepadoodles are loving, affectionate dogs that thrive when interacting with their owners. They are often gregarious creatures and enjoy having a friend, though you can teach them to go for a while without your company.

Your dog could experience feelings of abandonment, loneliness, or frustration if you are in a new routine, such as changing your working hours. Increased playtime, training, and walks could help prevent your poor pooch from barking from boredom or frustration.

5. Fear and Anxiety

Sheepadoodles are not known to be nervous, twitchy dogs, but they usually are calm and relaxed, especially when well-socialized. If your dog is barking at something, it could be that he does not appreciate a specific person or animal in the current situation.

Dogs are far more sensitive to odors and sounds than people, so keep that in mind. They can be disturbed by a strange fragrance in the area or hear unsettling noises like distant explosions that you cannot smell or hear.

Another Facebook user chimed in regarding her Sheepadoodle’s separation anxiety:

“My 5 month old is extreme velcro and has bad separation anxiety – she goes on auto bark and I can hear it when I get off the elevator all the way down the hall. So far no one has complained. She will bark once or twice at noises outside. As long as you get the dog out and exercised it will be fine. I’ve had many many dogs and this one id the smartest I’ve ever had. She is a bit different to manage but a true joy. It takes a lot of work with grooming, exercise and training but very well worth it. I strongly believe it can work in your apt as I have one”!
Barbara

6. Excitement

This one is unmistakable. A dog barking in excitement will have his tail up, body language playful, and his bark will be joyful and stress-free. This usually means it’s playtime.

Excited barking happens anytime. It could be when they play with other dogs, humans, children, or even themselves!

Other than toning down its intensity, there isn’t much you can do to affect how vocal your dog is when playing. Let him bark! It’s a joyful, happy sound, and your dog will be more relaxed by it.

Here’s a cute video of a Sheepadoodle puppy practicing her bark:

How to Train Your Sheepadoodle to Stop Barking?

While some barking is normal, excessive barking is not. If you want to control your dog’s barking so it doesn’t become a habit, it is crucial to nip it in the bud before it becomes a severe behavioral problem.

Here are some training methods that can be useful.

1. Many well-known trainers concur that teaching your dog to “Speak” first is the only method to teach them the “Quiet” or “Shhh” command. To educate them to bark when called, use treats and positive reinforcement.

2. Once they can accomplish this, ask them to remain silent while holding up a treat. Give them a goodie and repeat the order each time they stop.

3. The timing of the instruction must be perfect. If your dog already understands what “no” means, you only need to reinforce it so that it is always adhered to.

4. Initial practice should involve treats, and occasionally weaning off should include praise and play. Doing this can stop your dog from learning to pay attention just when a delicious treat is introduced.

5. Ask a family member to aid you in training your dog to remain quiet. Use triggers like a doorbell or a door knock to get your dog to start barking.

6. When your Sheepadoodle starts to bark, firmly say “No” or “Quiet,” and then use a toy or treat to get their attention. Wait a short while after they stop barking before rewarding them.

7. Your dog will learn to stop barking when instructed if you repeat this over a few days.

Socialization Is Key

A Sheepadoodle’s natural tendency is typically not to be hostile toward strangers. However, if your dog exhibits this behavior frequently, it is most likely the result of inadequate socialization.

All puppies, regardless of breed, require proper socialization. This entails introducing them to various pets, people and animals while they are still quite little, even before they are eight weeks old. Of course, socializing pups should only take place safely when the pups are fully vaccinated.

Dogs bark at things that they feel wary about or when they think that something untoward is happening. As a dog owner, it’s essential to socialize your pup so they can learn how to interact with other dogs and people.

A well-socialized dog is a happy dog, and they’ll be less likely to act out of fear or aggression when they encounter new situations.

Here are some tips on how to socialize your dog:

1. Start early. The best time to socialize your dog is when they’re a puppy, but it’s never too late to start. The more experiences they have, the better.

2. Introduce them slowly. Don’t just throw your puppy into a room full of people and expect them to be okay. Start with one or two people at a time, and gradually increase the number of people they’re around.

3. Be positive. Dogs pick up on our emotions, so it’s important to stay positive when exposing them to new experiences. Reward them with treats and praise when they do well.

4. Don’t force it. If your dog is showing signs of stress or anxiety, take a break and try again another time. There’s no reason to push them if they’re not ready.

Final Thoughts

Sheepadoodles are not excessively barky dogs; if yours is, it could indicate a more severe problem.

Some barking is normal, and it is just a dog’s way of vocalizing themselves and letting their voices be heard. After all, they can’t speak as we do!