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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

My Puppy Doesn't Bark

47 replies

Spacemonkey2016 · 16/12/2022 19:38

I have an almost 11 week old lab puppy, who's been with us for nearly 3 weeks. He's turned our life into utter chaos, but is a lovely little thing. The whole time he's been with us though, he's only ever barked twice, literally a couple of woofs (both times when my daughter played her recorder 🤣) He doesn't bark at the door, when my children are playing loudly, nothing. Is that normal? I only ask as my in law's dog came over for a bit of puppy socialisation, and I heard their dog bark more in 10 seconds than I have my own dog bark in 3 weeks!

OP posts:
Fluffygreenslippers · 16/12/2022 19:44

My dogs never been a barker. I taught him to bark but he doesn’t bark at anything. He’s very laid back.

Aria20 · 16/12/2022 19:47

Mine didn't bark really for a couple of months....then she found her voice! Enjoy the quiet!

Frenchfancy · 16/12/2022 19:59

Mine didn't bark at all until she was 18 weeks. We thought she couldn't. Then the cat tried to steal her food.

Polkadotpjs · 16/12/2022 20:07

Aria20 · 16/12/2022 19:47

Mine didn't bark really for a couple of months....then she found her voice! Enjoy the quiet!

This! Mine is very barky now

aerialinstalls · 16/12/2022 20:14

We had a beautiful lab for 12 years he wasn't a barker it was part of his personality very laid back , miss him like crazy.

SirenSays · 16/12/2022 20:17

Some dogs just dont bark very much. I had a rescue fighting dog who was taught never to bark. It took me a long time to teach him it was ok and give him his voice back

Moltenpink · 16/12/2022 20:19

My lab hardly barks, he’s 18 months now. Went out on Nov 5th, came back mid fireworks to find him fast asleep Grin he was born on a working shooting farm so I think nothing startles him (yet…)

WishIhadacrystalball · 16/12/2022 20:19

Oh it will come!! Ours was the same and now she has found her voice wow! Tbf she is great and only barks when someone comes to the door or if there is a strange noise but I was worried at first as never had such a quiet puppy before!

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 16/12/2022 20:23

I was going to say your neighbours will bloody love you , (can you tell I live near Barky Dogs Wink )

Then reading I had a rescue fighting dog who was taught never to bark I do not want to imagine how they instilled that Sad.

TeenTraumaTrials · 16/12/2022 20:24

Ddog didn't bark at all virtually for about a year. She's now 4.5 and is so barky in the house it drives us bonkers - at the postie, if someone walks past the window, if someone bangs something in the house, if there's a y in the day of the week .......But when we are out hardly ever. So just enjoy the quiet while you can.

HipposHaveNipples · 16/12/2022 20:27

We've got a rescue dog that never, ever barks. Doesn't matter if the doorbell goes, there's a stranger in the garden (window cleaner or delivery person), there's a loud/unexpected noise... he just goes and watches silently!

Riverlee · 16/12/2022 20:27

My lab is slightly older. Will bark outside when hears other dogs, and barks in his crate sometimes (ie when we ignore him for too long). He’s just started barking when playing to get us to join in with the game - it’s more of a low growl than a bark. He never barks when people come to the door etc.

Original poster
Spacemonkey2016 · 16/12/2022 20:34

Ah I feel reassured, thanks all! He definitely has a voice, as he whines when it's time for a nap, or if I'm taking too long to hide food in his snuffle mat, but otherwise, he's silent (except for the snoring, of course!) Glad there's nothing wrong though :)

OP posts:
lorisparkle · 16/12/2022 20:52

Our rather large black Labrador rarely barks however when he does it is impressive! I am so glad he is not a barker.

Shannith · 16/12/2022 21:04

My lab didn't really bark for a year. She sounds like the hound of the Baskerville when she wants to now.

cavily1806 · 16/12/2022 21:10

Omg enjoy it. Our pup (altho not lab) is coming up to 6mo and has found his voice 😬

Blanketpolicy · 16/12/2022 21:11

Our black lab only ever barked when he let out a half hearted single bark when he wanted the back door opened so he could come in. Then when he was about 4 we got a dog walker for a couple of days a week, as soon as he hears the van coming up the street he rushes to the door and runs out when it is opened, then as soon as he gets into the van he starts barking really loudly. He is 9 now and they are still the only times he barks.

lenalemonade · 16/12/2022 21:19

My patterdale who I have had since a puppy hardly ever barks except when dreaming .
Puffs at things he doesn't like through his nose and squeaks like a mouse if he gets excited or scared .
He is the best dog .....happy,obedient ,eats well but not bothered about food ...snuggles up on the sofa silent ,even if the Amazon man comes .
In contrast with my sons patterdale who barks if a bird flying past sheds a feather

AriettyHomily · 16/12/2022 23:20

My terrier didn't bark at all until he was around one, then he found his voice!

Mezmer · 16/12/2022 23:23

My spaniel rarely barks. She’s five. We love her for it!

hadenoughforever · 16/12/2022 23:23

Another one who had a Lab who rarely barked.

smilingthroughgrittedteeth · 16/12/2022 23:24

My 2.5yr old cocker spaniel rarely barks, he was about 8mths when he first barked and the look of surprise on his face was hilarious 😂 he doesnt even bark when the doorbell goes.

justasking111 · 16/12/2022 23:27

When I saw the title thought Labrador. We've had two. They rarely bark. Whereas the spaniels do. One even howls on command for my DS and now my grandsons 😅

Poshjock · 16/12/2022 23:29

My labs were late barkers, and tbh one of them only ever barked when his brother did. He made more of an ooooofff noise which would set his brother off, then they would both give off a few big boy barks and then quiet again. Only ever when someone came to the door though.

Current dog doesn't bark at all. He is, however, the noisiest yawner ever.

ProcrastinatingUntilNextYear · 16/12/2022 23:44

My puppy didn’t bark and we thought there was something wrong. Then months later he found his bark and has more than made up for his silence!