My dog only barks before bed....?

Question

I have an 18 moth old Staffy X who I have had for just over a year. I moved house 3 weeks ago and he has suddenly started barking. He's never been a noisy dog and he doesn't bark all the time, only when it's dark outside. He tends to growl for about a minute then goes to the back door and barks. When I let him out for his last toilet before bed, he barks outside. When he comes back in he is quiet, but when I go uo to bed, he barks again for a couple of minutes and goes to sleep.

Does anyone know what might be causing it? I have been checking outside and there hasn't been anyone in the garden. My sister has joked about mum coming back as a ghost!

He's as regular as clock work with the barking and doesn't bark at any other point during the day....help!

Answer 1

probably a ghost, dogs are very sensitive to other energys

Answer 2

my staffy did this. i also dont see anything outside but dogs have a very strong sence of smell so even if we can see it dont mean its not there could just be further away! i really would not worry about it he will grow out of it. the fact that you have not long moved has not helped either as he also needs time to settle in. dont worry so long as its not all night it will be fine!

Answer 3

He is not used to this new environment. Ignoring him is the best solution if you go to him at the time he is barking in the night, he may take barking as means to attract your attention. If you ignore him then within a day or two he will realize that barking is not going to help him out.

Answer 4

Leave a baby plug in light one where he can see around the room . Give him his favorite blanket and toy and don,t keep going down to him/her. Make sure the curtains are closed so your dog can,t see out he will soon stop you could let him/her roam around the house and put a baby gate at your bedroom door as he may settle down just outside or on the landin but do not give in and let him come in your bedroom or furniture as that is a no good luck as he should soon settle  back to his old routine...

Answer 5

He might be is getting used to the new surroundings......

if not its a GHOST!

lol

Answer 6

He will be fine once it feels like his territory. At the moment he is being left in a strange place, on his own and he's probably scared. Leaving a radio on quietly or something with your scent on it might help.

Answer 7

maybe he is saying don't leave me or good night

Answer 8

Well it could be your mum, or the newspaper delivery person, or a neighbors car, or lights, or critters you just don't see.  

Answer 9

Prehaps its just the new house he isnt use to yet? Maybe he feels as if you are leaving him behind and  you go back to the 'old house' at night?

If you ignore him, he should stop it over time as he won't be getting the reaction either, each time he barks and you tend to him, its like him saying, come to me! and you do, if you dont come to him, he will learn and wont say it anymore.

Hope I helped!