Barking Habits of the Shmoodle: A Small Dog with a Moderate Voice
Like many small companion breeds, the Shmoodle does have a voice—and it’s not afraid to use it. However, while Shmoodles are vocal to a degree, they are not typically considered excessive or nuisance barkers when properly trained and socialised. Their barking habits tend to reflect their environment, personality, and how they’re raised.
Do Shmoodles Bark a Lot?
In general, Shmoodles are moderate barkers. They aren’t completely silent, but they don’t bark constantly either. Their barking usually has a purpose and may be triggered by:
- Excitement or play
- The doorbell or strangers approaching
- Boredom or lack of mental stimulation
- Seeking attention or alerting their owner
- Separation anxiety or loneliness
Because they are attentive and somewhat alert, Shmoodles may bark to "announce" visitors or unfamiliar sounds. This can make them decent little watchdogs—albeit more friendly than fierce.
What Influences a Shmoodle’s Barking?
Genetics and Breed Mix: Each Shmoodle may take more after one of its parent breeds. For example:
- Shih Tzus are typically calm and quiet.
- Maltese can be barky, especially if not trained early.
- Poodles are smart and vocal, but not usually excessive barkers.
A Shmoodle's vocal tendencies will often reflect which parent breed they resemble most in personality.
Training and Socialisation
Unwanted barking is often the result of lack of training or exposure to different people, pets, and environments. A well-socialised Shmoodle is far less likely to bark out of fear or nervousness.
Mental and Physical Stimulation
Barking can also be a symptom of boredom or excess energy. Shmoodles are smart, playful dogs, and without proper enrichment, they may turn to barking as an outlet.
Tips to Manage and Reduce Barking
If your Shmoodle tends to bark more than you'd like, here are some helpful strategies:
- Teach the “Quiet” Command: Reinforce calm behaviour by rewarding silence and calmly redirecting barking with a clear command.
- Limit Triggers: Close blinds or use white noise to block out barking triggers like passing pedestrians or delivery trucks.
- Provide Mental Stimulation: Interactive toys, puzzles, and regular training sessions can help occupy their clever minds.
- Avoid Reinforcing Barking for Attention: If your Shmoodle barks to get your attention, avoid giving in. Instead, reward them when they are calm and quiet.
- Practise Desensitisation: Gradually expose your dog to common sounds (like the doorbell or vacuum) while pairing them with positive reinforcement to reduce reactive barking.
When to Be Concerned
Excessive barking that seems compulsive, anxious, or aggressive may point to underlying behavioural issues, such as:
- Separation anxiety
- Lack of proper boundaries
- Insufficient physical or mental activity
- Inadequate socialisation
In these cases, working with a positive-reinforcement-based trainer or canine behaviourist can help get things back on track.
Conclusion
While the Shmoodle is not a silent breed, it also isn't known for being overly yappy. With proper socialisation, attention, and mental stimulation, most Shmoodles become well-mannered and manageable in the barking department. They’ll still let you know when the mail arrives—but they won’t bark your house down (unless you accidentally skip their treat time).