It's midnight; everything is calm and quiet. On top of that, it's winter when sound can travel longer distances. You are all set to rest on your bed under the warmth of a fluffy blanket, and guess what happens next?
Suddenly all the stray dogs in your neighbourhood start barking and howling for reasons you never know. And your ears start waiting for their nighttime party to be over to sleep in peace!
This is a common scenario we frequently face during the winter season when the sound of barking can be heard clearly as ceiling fans or air coolers remain switched off.
Dogs are known for their vocalisation. These furry guys love to bark upon noticing any anomaly to communicate with their masters.
However, dogs prefer to bark more at certain times of the day, such as during the night. While the reasons for this behaviour may vary from dog to dog, some scientific explanations exist for why dogs may be more prone to barking during late night hours.
A dog's natural sleep patterns are one possible reason for increased howling at night. They are known to be crepuscular, which means they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. Scientists link this to their ancestors, who were hunters, and these were the times of day when prey was most active.
This ancestral trait keeps modern dogs more alert and responsive to stimuli during the night.
This could explain why they may be more prone to barking at sounds or movements that they perceive as threats, even if these stimuli would not normally elicit a response during the day.
A psychological factor is discussed in this regard, often, which is called separation anxiety. Some dogs may become anxious or distressed when left alone and may bark excessively to seek attention or reassurance from their owners.
For stray dogs, they bark to ensure the presence of other dogs in their vicinity. This can be especially true for dogs who are not used to being left alone or have experienced trauma or abuse.
In addition to these internal factors, there may also be external stimuli that cause dogs to bark more at night. For example, dogs may be more sensitive to shadows or changes in lighting during the night, which could trigger barking.
They are more sensitive to sounds or smells that are not as noticeable during the day. Even a night owl or bat flying can start a whole new bout of barking.
Scientists haven't discarded genetic reasons, which may also play a role in a dog's propensity to bark at night. Some breeds, such as terriers and hounds, are known for their high energy levels and vocalisation. These dogs may be more prone to barking at night simply due to their breed traits.
Apart from these, dogs' sleep patterns are also crucial. Most stray dogs sleep during the day and stay awake at night when they feel safer, as there are few humans around them at night.
