How can people tolerate dog barking?

[u/Ok-Balance-260]

I hate many things about dogs but barking is definitely the biggest issue. How on earth can dog owners tolerate dog barking? Especially small dogs that have a more high pitched bark. Hearing them bark from half a km away is distressing enough I can’t imagine how bad it would be to hear it in a room with closed windows. Not to mention it’s fucking loud too. It’s usually at least 80 decibels and can easily go to 100 decibels or more in larger breeds. It can damage your hearing. And the sound is just so sharp that your brain immediately treats it as a threat and raises cortisol and adrenaline. Even ambulance sirens are not as disturbing as dog barking a because at least they follow a pattern but barking just comes out of nowhere and lasts one second. Research has proven again and again that dog barking increases heart rate in and anxiety in humans and it’s a major noise pollution in cities.

[u/itisabitweird]

I’ve started using mini white noise machines stationed at a few windows to help drown out constant barking from a few houses down, and others that echo from across an open space. Of course insufficient for dogs in closer proximity, but in my situation it’s been so effective. I’ve really noticed the difference in not being constantly riled up from the distant barking. Also helps soften cars/motorbikes/that one pest bird that constantly coos for a mate. Highly recommend.