How Much Do Labradoodles Bark? Vet-Verified Facts & Training Tips

The Labradoodle is a mix of a Poodle and a Labrador, and they are loyal, loving, highly intelligent, and make great family pets. If you have considered adopting a Labradoodle, you might have heard they bark a lot. While excessive barking is not considered a defining trait of the breed, some Labradoodles can be vocal. Whether they are suitable for apartment living depends largely on the individual dog, their personality, training, lifestyle, and exercise needs. However, if you’re looking for an intelligent, active, and affectionate companion, you couldn’t pick a better pet than the Labradoodle.

Below, we’ll discuss how much Labradoodles bark and more.

How Much Do Labradoodles Bark?

Some Labradoodles are known to be moderate barkers. They bark, but it is not a constant issue. Unlike the breeds that bark whenever they hear a pin drop, Labradoodles typically bark when they’re excited or think something is wrong.

For instance, your Labradoodle might bark when they see a squirrel or someone they don’t think should be in your yard. They can make good watchdogs and may alert their owners to unfamiliar people or activity.

Since they bark rarely, they aren’t likely to bother your neighbors and can live in an apartment if they get enough exercise. But, of course, all dogs are different; while Labradoodles, on average, are mild barkers, yours might be different. So, what do you do if you wind up with a particularly yappy Labradoodle?

How to Train Your Labradoodle to Bark Less

To understand how to train a dog not to bark, you must understand why dogs bark in the first place. Dogs bark for various reasons, from boredom to loneliness to not getting enough exercise. An excellent first step to ensure your Labradoodle gets enough exercise.

Exercise 🐕

Labradoodles are generally active dogs that require regular daily exercise, though the exact amount varies depending on the individual dog. Adult healthy Labradoodles may need at least 1 to 1 ½ hours of exercise daily, but that’s only the physical part of their routine. You can’t neglect your Labradoodle's mental exercise; make sure to play with them in a way that challenges them mentally and keep a rotation of exciting toys so they don’t get bored. Labradoodles are intelligent and energetic and excel at canine sports and agility drills.

Ignoring the Barking

Although sometimes your dog will bark because they don’t exercise enough or need to use the bathroom, they also bark because they know it gets your attention. The best thing to do about this kind of barking, even though it will be hard, is to ignore your dog. If your dog is barking for attention, ignoring the behavior can be an effective training strategy. This way, your dog will learn that barking is not an effective way to get your attention.

You have to act as if your dog isn’t even there until they stop barking; don’t look at them until they’ve stopped. Many dogs will eventually stop barking when they realize it is not producing the desired response. Once your dog has stopped barking, give them all your attention. Pet them, talk to them, play with them, give them treats, and make them the center of your attention until they’re satisfied.

Repeat this every time they start barking for attention, and since Labradoodles are such intelligent dogs, they will quickly pick up on the pattern and notice that when they aren’t barking, they get to be the center of attention. Over time, this approach may help reduce attention-seeking barking.

Speak to a Vet

Schedule a call with a vet for advice about the best training methods to use for tackling your dog's excessive barking, without the stress of an in-office vet visit.

Final Thoughts

Labradoodles are moderate barkers, and most won’t cause the neighbors to complain. You can train your Labradoodle not to bark as much, but you must have plenty of patience and use positive reinforcement.

If you’re considering adopting one of these adorable animals as a pet, ensure you’re ready for the dog’s exuberance and clinginess. Labradoodles are intelligent dogs, and many respond well to consistent training aimed at reducing excessive barking.

Featured Image Credit: Ann Lillie, Shutterstock