How to Quiet Down Multiple Dogs

Take the a leadership role. Dogs are pack animals and if you don't establish a leadership position from the beginning, one of the dogs will most certainly assume the role. Show your dogs that you are the leader by controlling the feeding times and by giving the disobedient pets timeout punishments.

Identify the reason your dogs bark. Dogs may bark to alert you of the arrival of the mail or a visitor in your yard. Dogs may also bark when they feel threatened and want to defend their territory, or when they are bored or in pain.

Look in the direction the dogs are looking if the dogs bark to alert you. Use a word or a phrase to calm your dogs, such as "It's alright. It's the mailman." Use the same words every time they alert you.

Remove the threat that causes your dogs to bark if your dogs bark to defend their territory. In some cases you won't be able to remove the threat (e.g., a squirrel), so you need to divert your dogs' attention with a clicker or by clapping.

Take your dogs to the vet for a checkup. Constant barking may be a sign that one of your dogs is in pain.

Use a clicker if you are unsure why your dogs bark. The sound of the clicker draws the attention of the dogs and may even annoy them and they are likely to stop barking.

Reward your dogs if they quiet down. Use treats or verbal praises. This is the desired behavior and the dogs have to associate it with a positive experience. Feed each treat separately to each dog; throwing a treat to all your dogs may start a conflict.

Don't feed your dogs in the same room, because common food bowls can be a reason for fights and more barking. Feed your pets in separate locations, and never leave food out in between meals.

Avoid tug games or wrestling between your pets, because these may encourage fights and noise.