Veterinarian Advice: Helping a Deaf Dog Stop Nighttime Barking in the Kennel

A Deaf Dog Whining at Night: Veterinary Expert’s Guide to Effective Solutions

In our weekly „Ask Dr. Paola” series, published every Monday, we offer expert advice directly from Dr. Paola Cuevas, veterinarian. The goal is to help pet owners, whether new or experienced, better understand their dogs’ health and well-being. Dr. Paola covers a wide range of topics, from nutritional recommendations and preventive care to resolving frequent behavioral issues, providing clear perspectives to keep our furry friends happy and healthy. This information has been verified and updated according to the latest veterinary research, approved by Dr. Paola Cuevas, our senior in-house veterinarian at Dogster and Pangolia. With over 19 years of experience working with various species, she dedicates her time to sharing knowledge to help pet families manage any challenge. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara in Mexico, Dr. Cuevas ensures her advice is current and precise.

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Recently, a reader named Jayme sent us an urgent question: „Help! Nighttime!” Jayme is struggling to stop the barking in her kennel of a 10-month-old deaf Boxer named Cotton. Although the dog has adapted excellently to her new family in the month since adoption (at nine months old) and has learned many signals, she barks every hour during sleep. Jayme suspects separation anxiety and seeks guidance.

Dr. Paola’s response emphasized that Cotton’s quick adjustment is impressive, and barking should be viewed as a form of communication, not a nuisance. Given that the puppy is deaf and relatively new to her environment, it would not be correct to immediately assume separation anxiety. Kennel barking can have multiple causes: separation discomfort, confinement anxiety, frustration, or simply a lack of understanding that the kennel is a safe place. It is recommended to install a video camera inside the kennel to observe behavior before and during barking episodes. If the dog paces, breathes heavily, repeatedly tries to exit, drools excessively, or cannot be calmed, the likelihood of anxiety increases significantly.

The first recommended step is rebuilding the relationship with the kennel, transforming it into a space of comfort, not suffering. During the day, the kennel door should be left open, and the dog rewarded for choosing to enter. Offering a special food toy or a chew bone while resting there helps create positive association. Once comfortable, practice closing the door for just a few seconds, staying nearby, gradually increasing duration only as long as the dog remains relaxed. This is similar to learning to swim: start in shallow water, do not throw directly into the deep end.

For a deaf dog, visual signals become

For a deaf dog, visual signals become essential. Always use the same predictable hand signal before closing the kennel, consistently paired with something pleasant, so the dog knows what to expect. Additionally, consider using calming pheromones, scents, or supplements around the kennel. Often, combining multiple calming products is more effective than using just one. Another strategy is wearing an old t-shirt for a few days to absorb the owner’s scent, then leaving it in the kennel for the dog’s comfort.

For nighttime, it is crucial to determine whether barking is triggered by the need to eliminate or by confinement/separation discomfort. If the dog sleeps quietly and then starts barking, the video camera will reveal whether waking is caused by environmental activity, restlessness, or sudden stress from realizing she is alone. Prolonged panic episodes should be avoided, as intense discomfort can complicate later treatment. Punishment or using an aversive collar is particularly inappropriate here, as it may increase fear without addressing the underlying emotion.

If video recordings show real distress even after gradual training, involving the veterinarian and, if needed, referring to a veterinary behavior specialist is recommended. Moderate to severe separation distress often requires a structured desensitization program, and medication may be appropriate when anxiety is so intense it hinders the learning process. The encouraging aspect is that, at 10 months old, Cotton is still highly capable of forming new emotional associations.