Do dogs bark more than bitches?

No and no. My three dogs make less noise than next door's GSD bitch. I imagine the guardian types make more noise than other breeds. My lot shouldn't bark at all, one doesn't, the youngsters do, poor for gundogs.
 
We live in quite an isolated property with no neighbours, our drive is a bridleway/footpath. Used daily but not a huge amount.
The Springer guard barks, he has a huge deep woof, not really sure where he stores it! He doesn't bark on any other occasion and is totally mute when training/working.
Staffie girl isafraid of the dark and barks when let out at night.

Both our boxers were castrated males and both used to guard bark, both much more than the Springer. Naughty 5 month lab puppy has a brat bark where he barks in the faces on another dog if they won't give up a toy he wants. I let them sort it out, soon they will lose patience with him and tell him off.
 
I wouldn't say that gundoghs shouldn't bark. If you ever walk past a keepers kennels there is usally plenty of noise. Our bitches (labs) bark when someone comes through the garden gate, and they sound very scary. We also have trouble with Mr Nobody in the evenings sometimes, which gets a bit boring.
 
What makes a dog/bitch bark has nothing to do with his sex or his intact/neutered status. My intact male lurcher does not bark, my neutered male terrier barks a lot, one of my bitches is a collie cross, neutered, and barks to warn of approaching dogs/ humans. My other coursing bred bitch, neutered, has no guarding instinct whatsoever and could not care less about visitors but is nervous outdoors and will bark to keep rude dogs away or people we meet she does not like the look of. There are many reasons why dogs bark, breed, past experience, personality. But gender, no.
 
Patchworkpony said:
Do dogs bark more than bitches? Some people say they do as they are being territorial - is that true? Does neutering make a difference?
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No.
Both my male and females have been warning / guarding barkers and that's it...silent city here..I've discouraged unwanted barking and they are equally quiet dogs regardless of sex.
 
Bellasophia said:
No.
Both my male and females have been warning / guarding barkers and that's it...silent city here..I've discouraged unwanted barking and they are equally quiet dogs regardless of sex.
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Very interesting comments on here. Bellasophia what method do you use exactly to discourage unwanted barking? I should be fascinated to know in detail.
 
Mrs Spaniel came with an unwanted bark, she used to use it to get attention and demand that I interact with her, or when she got too excited playing with her toys. I used the can full of coins trick to get her attention back on me and stop her mid bark.
It was mostly for the benefit of my next door neighbour who at the time was terminally ill and the last thing he probably would have wanted was a hyperactive spaniel shrieking the house down all day long.

Now she contains her barking to a warning woof when someone knocks on the door, a solitary bark when she feels she has successfully done what she feels as her main job in life which is chasing cats and foxes out of the garden and away from my aviary and excited barking at flyball competitions.

I don't mind the warning woof as I am at home alone with her a lot of the time, nor the I've-done-a-great-job-and-am-the-best-and-bravest-dog-ever bark and the racket from other dogs drowns her out at comps!
 
Patchworkpony said:
Very interesting comments on here. Bellasophia what method do you use exactly to discourage unwanted barking? I should be fascinated to know in detail.
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I have a good rapport with my dogs...From puppyhood,I like them to bark when it's appropriate..and say well done to their alerts for the door bell,the people passing my gate etc...but then I say that's enough and come inside for a pat ,or settle down etc.
I have two very different breeds at the mo..the schnauzer is high alert and would bark her head off if she could..eg when my son comes in late at night ,she growls,and normally would start barking..but I put my hand on her ( she sleeps in my bed ) and say it's ok and she doesn't kick off,she's done her job.
So,for me, it's the dogs who alert then I tell them to stand down and that's it.
Both dogs will bark on command too...I taught that with offering a biscuit,and rewarding...then giving the quiet command,which they also understand.
When I first got my schnauzer she barked at every dog we passed...I used to stop,let her greet and move on...then we just moved on and she learned not to bark at them..I would verbally reward this too..now ,even strangers ask me what I did to stop her barking...its just training and giving them the clear idea of what you want from them and what's over the top,
 
Bellasophia said:
I have a good rapport with my dogs...From puppyhood,I like them to bark when it's appropriate..and say well done to their alerts for the door bell,the people passing my gate etc...but then I say that's enough and come inside for a pat ,or settle down etc.
I have two very different breeds at the mo..the schnauzer is high alert and would bark her head off if she could..eg when my son comes in late at night ,she growls,and normally would start barking..but I put my hand on her ( she sleeps in my bed ) and say it's ok and she doesn't kick off,she's done her job.
So,for me, it's the dogs who alert then I tell them to stand down and that's it.
Both dogs will bark on command too...I taught that with offering a biscuit,and rewarding...then giving the quiet command,which they also understand.
When I first got my schnauzer she barked at every dog we passed...I used to stop,let her greet and move on...then we just moved on and she learned not to bark at them..I would verbally reward this too..now ,even strangers ask me what I did to stop her barking...its just training and giving them the clear idea of what you want from them and what's over the top,
Click to expand...
Thank you so much - that makes perfect sense.
 
Bellasophia said:
I have a good rapport with my dogs...From puppyhood,I like them to bark when it's appropriate..and say well done to their alerts for the door bell,the people passing my gate etc...but then I say that's enough and come inside for a pat ,or settle down etc.
I have two very different breeds at the mo..the schnauzer is high alert and would bark her head off if she could..eg when my son comes in late at night ,she growls,and normally would start barking..but I put my hand on her ( she sleeps in my bed ) and say it's ok and she doesn't kick off,she's done her job.
So,for me, it's the dogs who alert then I tell them to stand down and that's it.
Both dogs will bark on command too...I taught that with offering a biscuit,and rewarding...then giving the quiet command,which they also understand.
When I first got my schnauzer she barked at every dog we passed...I used to stop,let her greet and move on...then we just moved on and she learned not to bark at them..I would verbally reward this too..now ,even strangers ask me what I did to stop her barking...its just training and giving them the clear idea of what you want from them and what's over the top,
Click to expand...
Thank you for explaining all that - very helpful. Barking is my main dread with owning a dog so this is very encouraging. I had a spaniel puppy booked (including deposit) but stupid breeder let the whole litter play in the private road outside her house, where other dogs pass, and of course the pup had not had any injections so I'm afraid knocked that purchase on the head. I looking all over again now but would want to nip any constant barking in the bud with any dog.
 
Karran said:
Mrs Spaniel came with an unwanted bark, she used to use it to get attention and demand that I interact with her, or when she got too excited playing with her toys. I used the can full of coins trick to get her attention back on me and stop her mid bark.
It was mostly for the benefit of my next door neighbour who at the time was terminally ill and the last thing he probably would have wanted was a hyperactive spaniel shrieking the house down all day long.

Now she contains her barking to a warning woof when someone knocks on the door, a solitary bark when she feels she has successfully done what she feels as her main job in life which is chasing cats and foxes out of the garden and away from my aviary and excited barking at flyball competitions.

I don't mind the warning woof as I am at home alone with her a lot of the time, nor the I've-done-a-great-job-and-am-the-best-and-bravest-dog-ever bark and the racket from other dogs drowns her out at comps!
Click to expand...
She sounds such a lovely dog and you have trained her so well it is very encouraging that I will be able to do the same. Did you have her right from a young puppy?
 
I train my dogs to speak on command and be quiet on command.

This should help ...

Teaching your dog to "speak," or bark on command can be fun as well as useful. A barking dog can ward off intruders and alert you to potential danger. Excessive barking can be a huge problem, but teaching the speak/quiet commands can sharpen the natural instinct to bark. With dedication and consistency, you can teach your dog to bark on command AND to be quiet. Different dog trainers and owners have varying techniques, but here is one basic method that works for many dogs.

Time Required: 10-15 minutes, 1-2 times per day (may take several weeks)
What You Need:
A bag of small but delicious dog treats
Your dog's favorite toy
A barking stimulus (like a doorbell or a person to knock on the door)

It's a good idea to start with the quiet cue and make sure your dog knows it before moving on to the bark cue.

Create a situation that will cause your dog to bark. The best method is to have a friend ring the doorbell or knock on the door.
When your dog barks, briefly acknowledge it by checking for the source (look out the window or door, go to your dog). Then, get her attention (you might try holding up the treat or toy).
After the barking stops, give your dog the toy or treat.
Repeat steps 1-3, but gradually wait for longer periods of silence each time before giving the treat.
Choose one simple word for the quiet command. This word should also be easy to remember and used consistently. Good choices: "enough," "quiet," or "hush."
Once your dog has remained quiet a few times, add in the cue. Say your quiet command in a firm, audible and upbeat voice followed by a treat (as long as your dog stays quiet).
Practice the "quiet" command frequently. You can do this anytime she barks, but keep sessions brief.

Once your dog seems to understand "quiet," you can move onto the bark command.

Choose one simple word for the bark command. The word should be easy to remember and used consistently. Good choices: "speak," "bark" or "talk."
Once again, get your dog to bark naturally.
As your dog barks, say your speak command in a clear, upbeat voice.
Praise your dog and give him a treat or toy.
Repeat the speak command process several times until your dog seems to understand.
Once your dog learns "speak" and "quiet" separately, you can use them together. Have your dog speak a few times, then tell her to be quiet.
Tips:
Rewards should be immediate and very valuable. You need to make obeying "worth it" to your dog. Small, stinky liver treats or similar goodies work best.
Some people prefer to teach "speak" first, and "quiet" second. Others like to teach them together to begin with. This is your choice; it is about your comfort level, confidence and your dog's ability to learn. Use your best judgment. Dogs with a tendency to become "excessive barkers" might need to learn the quiet command first.
Be patient yet consistent. These commands can take weeks to master for some dogs.
Teach speak only works on dogs that will bark. If you are training a puppy, wait until she develops the ability and desire to bark, otherwise she will become confused.
Clicker Training works very well when teaching the speak/quiet commands.

http://dogs.about.com/od/basiccommands/ht/speakquiet.htm
 
WorkingGSD said:
I train my dogs to speak on command and be quiet on command.

This should help ...

Teaching your dog to "speak," or bark on command can be fun as well as useful. A barking dog can ward off intruders and alert you to potential danger. Excessive barking can be a huge problem, but teaching the speak/quiet commands can sharpen the natural instinct to bark. With dedication and consistency, you can teach your dog to bark on command AND to be quiet. Different dog trainers and owners have varying techniques, but here is one basic method that works for many dogs.

Time Required: 10-15 minutes, 1-2 times per day (may take several weeks)
What You Need:
A bag of small but delicious dog treats
Your dog's favorite toy
A barking stimulus (like a doorbell or a person to knock on the door)

It's a good idea to start with the quiet cue and make sure your dog knows it before moving on to the bark cue.

Create a situation that will cause your dog to bark. The best method is to have a friend ring the doorbell or knock on the door.
When your dog barks, briefly acknowledge it by checking for the source (look out the window or door, go to your dog). Then, get her attention (you might try holding up the treat or toy).
After the barking stops, give your dog the toy or treat.
Repeat steps 1-3, but gradually wait for longer periods of silence each time before giving the treat.
Choose one simple word for the quiet command. This word should also be easy to remember and used consistently. Good choices: "enough," "quiet," or "hush."
Once your dog has remained quiet a few times, add in the cue. Say your quiet command in a firm, audible and upbeat voice followed by a treat (as long as your dog stays quiet).
Practice the "quiet" command frequently. You can do this anytime she barks, but keep sessions brief.

Once your dog seems to understand "quiet," you can move onto the bark command.

Choose one simple word for the bark command. The word should be easy to remember and used consistently. Good choices: "speak," "bark" or "talk."
Once again, get your dog to bark naturally.
As your dog barks, say your speak command in a clear, upbeat voice.
Praise your dog and give him a treat or toy.
Repeat the speak command process several times until your dog seems to understand.
Once your dog learns "speak" and "quiet" separately, you can use them together. Have your dog speak a few times, then tell her to be quiet.
Tips:
Rewards should be immediate and very valuable. You need to make obeying "worth it" to your dog. Small, stinky liver treats or similar goodies work best.
Some people prefer to teach "speak" first, and "quiet" second. Others like to teach them together to begin with. This is your choice; it is about your comfort level, confidence and your dog's ability to learn. Use your best judgment. Dogs with a tendency to become "excessive barkers" might need to learn the quiet command first.
Be patient yet consistent. These commands can take weeks to master for some dogs.
Teach speak only works on dogs that will bark. If you are training a puppy, wait until she develops the ability and desire to bark, otherwise she will become confused.
Clicker Training works very well when teaching the speak/quiet commands.

http://dogs.about.com/od/basiccommands/ht/speakquiet.htm
Click to expand...
WOW - thanks so much!!!
 
Patchworkpony said:
She sounds such a lovely dog and you have trained her so well it is very encouraging that I will be able to do the same. Did you have her right from a young puppy?
Click to expand...

She is lovely - most of the time! - No I adopted her at 11 months old. She was a bit of a spoiled brat and a juvenile delinquent to be honest. She had been allowed to get away with murder so I had to start right at the beginning with her.
I'm sure she could still be a lot better than what she is as she still has rebellious I-know-better-than-you moments but on the whole she is a lot better than how she arrived!
 
My dog certainly does more guarding barking than the bitches .
I am told he is fearsome when you come to the door when I am out ,the girls don't bother .
 
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