They could be play-barking, alerting their owners of danger, or be expressing anxiety, boredom, or excitement. Whatever the reasons are behind your dog's barking problem, they are not barking to annoy your neighbor or taunt you. Though it might not seem like it in the moment, your dog barks for a legitimate reason.

Why are little dogs so yappy?

Researchers have learned that there is no inherent reason for small dogs to yap. In other words, it's not in their genetics to do so. ... Small dog owners seem to be worse at this than those who have larger dogs, perhaps because bigger dogs are more threatening to others and so their owners work harder at controlling them.

Why do dogs bark unnecessarily?

Boredom/Loneliness: Dogs are pack animals. ... Attention Seeking: Dogs often bark when they want something, such as going outside, playing, or getting a treat. Separation Anxiety/Compulsive Barking: Dogs with separation anxiety often bark excessively when left alone.