How to Quiet a Schnauzer

Schnauzers tend to be a very vocal breed of dogs -- especially the miniatures. Teaching them to quiet down and not talk so much will be somewhat challenging, and you must remain rigorous in your training and management. Training your schnauzer when he's a puppy is the best way to be successful in teaching him to quiet down. Think of puppies as kids; giving them negative attention is still giving them attention.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog leash
  • Treats
  • Television
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Instructions

    • 1

      Train your schnauzer as a puppy how to speak on command, and then how to be quiet on command. Every time your schnauzer barks, say the word, "Speak." Encourage him to bark by displaying a treat, and reward him when he responds on command. Soon he will associate barking with the word "Speak" and receiving a treat. Then do the same thing to teach your schnauzer the word "Quiet." Display the treat, and reward your schnauzer once he ceases barking. Eventually he will learn that he gets the treat when he stops barking.

    • 2

      Do not give your schnauzer attention every time he barks. Dogs tend to bark to communicate, but the behavior can become excessive if they realize they get attention by barking. Even yelling at the dog is giving him attention. Only give your dog the attention he wants when he is behaving.

    • 3

      Walk your dog and play with it more often. It takes vigorous exercise to wear out the energy that is inciting her to bark a lot. Schnauzers like to socialize, so going for walks, traveling to dog parks or playing in the back yard will help keep them quiet. The socialization will also keep schnauzers from becoming overly nervous around other animals and people, helping to eliminate excessive barking.

    • 4

      Turn on the television or radio when you leave the house to keep your schnauzer company and help keep him calm while you are away.