Do Maltipoos Bark a Lot? What to Expect & How to Manage It

All dogs, except the highly introverted ones (and they too, when they really want your attention or if they’re pushed into a corner), bark. That isn’t a problem. The problem is when dogs start to bark a lot. It can become white noise for you, the pet parent, eventually, but your living situation may not always tolerate the same. More specifically, in the blog, we’ll speak of Maltipoos. These adorable little dogs are known for being rather yappy, but is that really true or just another online myth? In this blog, we’ll go deep and take a look at barking behavior, what triggers it, and practical strategies to manage it.

A Quick Look at the Maltipoo Breed

This teddy bear-looking designer dog is a cross between two already adorable breeds, the Maltese and the Poodle, inheriting the best traits from both of its parents. Maltipoos are known to be gentle, which they are. Poodles are famous for their intelligence, so don’t be surprised if you find your Maltipoo barking quantum physics gibberish. The combination results in a dog that is highly sociable and trainable. Their adorable appearance makes them an instant hit among individuals and families alike, but as with all dogs, they like to yap.

You see, small breeds tend to bark a lot more than bigger ones. As the saying goes, "The smallest dogs bark the loudest." This isn’t a bug, though. This trait of being highly vocal can be traced back to history when these dogs were watchdogs, alerting their owners to any unusual sounds or movements. Now, the poor pups may not realize that your Alexa isn’t an intruder and end up barking at the robot. It’s fine—they mean well.

What Triggers Excessive Barking?

There are numerous factors that contribute to a Maltipoo’s barking. Sure, we just mentioned their watchdog genetics kicking in, but that’s in the past now. A more modern and relevant issue is their separation anxiety. These dogs are love bugs and form strong bonds with their owners. When they’re left alone, they become stressed out and lonely. Aww. As cute as that might sound, it’s actually an issue because they aren’t feeling particularly well, and this uneasiness is expressed through—yep, you guessed it—barking.

Another factor is sheer boredom. These dogs are apartment-friendly, but they still require enough mental and physical stimulation to stay engaged. If they don’t get it, they’ll start barking just to entertain themselves.

Training and socialization also play a role. Dogs that haven’t been properly socialized or trained might rely on barking as their primary means of communication, reacting to every person or sound they come across. That is why training should be done when they’re pups. The sooner you start, the better; but that isn’t to say old dogs cannot be trained. With proper training and plenty of patience, old dogs, of all breeds, can be trained. 

Curbing the Barking

There is no shame in admitting that excessive barking drives you mad. It can be extremely annoying and get in the way of getting anything done in peace. Maltipoos are intelligent pups, and they rarely bark without a particular reason. As we stated above, the usual causes of barking are:

• Fear

• Anxiety

• Boredom/Attention

Once this holy trinity of dog barkery is fixed, a pup should ideally settle down and relax. Here are some tips on how to do it in more detail:

Managing Fear and Anxiety

Generally speaking, fear and anxiety are emotions evoked in all species when they stumble upon the unknown, whether it’s an individual or a situation. The unknown can be frightening, and dogs, as a defense mechanism, may resort to barking. If your dog starts barking at strangers, they’re most likely fearful of them and are simply trying to protect you.

Here, socialization is perhaps the only realistic key. By introducing your pup to senior dogs, other pets and humans early on, they get used to them and aren’t so on edge when meeting someone new. The same applies to unfamiliar situations. The grooming table, a new house, a standoff with a cat—all these can make a dog anxious. However, if they’re familiar with such scenarios, their reaction will be much calmer.

The Burden of Boredom

Boredom seems to be a byproduct of intelligence. Smart beings, including our Maltipoo friends, get bored just like us. This lack of stimulation eventually pushes a dog into a metaphorical corner where they start barking simply to entertain themselves. Alas, dogs have yet to learn how to operate YouTube.

The issue can be resolved quite easily, despite seeming like a big problem. The very first thing, which you may not expect, is building a schedule. Training your dog to stick to a routine is the best way to shape their behavior. A schedule determines when a dog eats, goes potty, plays, and rests. This makes them more predictable, keeps their brains stimulated, and reduces excessive barking. When you’re away, you can leave behind toys and puzzles made for dogs to keep them entertained.

Also, make sure you do not unknowingly reinforce bad behavior. If a dog is barking for attention and you shush them—or worse, yell at them—they likely won’t understand what you mean. All they see is that they got your attention. Now, they’ll remember that barking makes you focus on them. Never do this. Instead, when the dog is barking, it’s best to distract them and reward them when they’re quiet. Do not instantly give them attention, as you don’t want to build that association in their heads.

Conclusion

So, long story short, do Maltipoos bark a lot? Yes, if they’re fearful, anxious, bored, or just want the attention of their favorite human. Barking is a dog’s natural way of communicating. It’s best not to scold them for it but rather to understand why they are behaving that way. Finding and fixing the root cause will be much easier and a quicker fix than shouting back at your pup. Remember, your patience won’t outlast a dog’s capability to bark.

Related Articles

Curious about more Maltipoo information? Explore these related articles;

• Can Maltipoos Swim? Essential Tips for Safe Water Fun

• Maltipoo Grooming Guide: Best Haircuts and Styling for Your Puppy

• Maltipoo Personality Traits: What Makes Them Perfect Pets