Deaf Dog's Nighttime Kennel Barking Addressed
Veterinarian Dr. Paola Cuevas advises on managing a deaf boxer's overnight kennel barking, suggesting it may be communication rather than separation
A reader named Jayme sought help for their 10-month-old deaf boxer, Cotton, who barks every hour while kenneled at night. In a Dogster advice column, veterinarian Dr. Paola Cuevas responded that the barking is likely communication and not necessarily separation anxiety, given the dog's young age and recent adoption.
Dr. Cuevas, an animal behaviorist with over 19 years of experience, explained that barking in a kennel can stem from several issues. These include separation distress, confinement anxiety, frustration, or a simple lack of learning that being alone is safe. She recommended using a camera inside the kennel to observe the dog's behavior before and during barking episodes. Signs like pacing, panting, repeated escape attempts, drooling, or an inability to settle would point more strongly toward anxiety.
Rebuilding Kennel Comfort
The core of the advice involves rebuilding the dog's relationship with the kennel as a place of comfort. Dr. Cuevas suggested leaving the kennel open during the day and rewarding the dog for choosing to enter. A special food toy or chew should be provided while the dog relaxes inside. The next step is to practice closing the door for just a few seconds while the owner remains nearby, gradually increasing the duration only while the dog stays relaxed. "Think of this like teaching someone to swim by starting in shallow water rather than dropping them into the deep end," she wrote.
Training for a Deaf Dog
For a deaf dog like Cotton, visual signals are key. Dr. Cuevas advised always using the same predictable hand signal before closing the kennel door and consistently pairing it with a reward. This helps the dog understand what is coming. She also noted that at 10 months old, Cotton is still very capable of learning new emotional associations.
Calming Aids and Nighttime Assessment
The veterinarian mentioned that calming pheromones, scents, or supplements used in and around the kennel could be beneficial. "A combination of calming products is often more effective than just one," she stated. Another suggestion was to leave a worn, unwashed owner's t-shirt in the kennel to provide a familiar scent.
For nighttime specifically, Dr. Cuevas emphasized determining the cause of the barking. A camera can reveal if the dog wakes due to environmental activity, restlessness, or immediate distress upon realizing she is alone. She warned against letting the dog repeatedly rehearse prolonged panic, as repeated intense distress can make treatment harder. Punishment or aversive collars were deemed particularly inappropriate, as they can increase fear without addressing the underlying emotion.
When to Seek Professional Help
If video evidence shows genuine distress persisting despite gradual training, Dr. Paola Cuevas recommended involving the dog's veterinarian and considering a referral to a veterinary behavior professional. She explained that moderate or severe separation distress often requires a structured desensitization program. Medication can sometimes be appropriate when anxiety is so intense it prevents learning.
The goal, according to the veterinarian, is not simply to teach the dog to be quiet. It is to teach her that resting alone is safe and that separation is only temporary.
