How to Use a Water Bottle to Train a Dog Not to Bark

Nuisance barking is not only annoying to you, it can cause you problems with your neighbors. Dogs that bark uncontrollably can be reported to animal control officials who may issue fines and even force you to get rid of your pet if you can't curb the unwanted behavior. You can use squirt bottles filled with water to train your dog not to bark.

Things You'll Need

  • Several squirt bottles
  • Water
  • Vinegar
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill several squirt bottles with water and place them strategically throughout areas of your home and yard where the dog is prone to barking. This training method requires that you correct the dog with a squirt of water whenever it begins unwanted barking. Having bottles readily available is key. Squirting the dog with water after the fact will only confuse it.

    • 2

      Set the spray mechanism on the bottles to the most forceful setting. Misting the dog won't dissuade it from barking.

    • 3

      Squirt the dog in the nose, shoulders or hind end immediately whenever it begins to bark. Avoid spraying water directly into the dog's eyes. Say "Hush" in a quiet voice while delivering the water correction.

    • 4

      Offer the dog a treat when it stops barking. Praise the dog by saying "Good dog" and patting it on the head to encourage the good behavior.

    • 5

      Add vinegar to the water bottles. Adding a quarter cup of vinegar to the water can help with stubborn dogs. If the dog doesn't respond to water correction, adding vinegar and squirting it in the nose might help. Dogs have an extremely sensitive sense of smell and vinegar water to the nose can be more effective than water alone. Again, avoid getting the solution into the dog's eyes. It won't hurt the dog, but it will make its eyes smart.